Mabel and Summer dance with a potato (28 photos)

Summer, Mabel and a potato were the winners of a three-trillion dollar bill, a gitchy nice vest and some zhoonian today.

Technically, Summer and Mabel won.

But they couldn't have done it without the potato they almost seemed to levitate between their foreheads as they danced a special dance in today's Batchewana First Nation Pow Wow in Rankin.

Chief Dean Sayers didn't say how much zhoonian, or money, the girls won.

But he did say the really nice vest he gave them was special because it had the band name on it.

Seven drums are performing at the pow wow which is open to everyone and continues Sunday with grand entry dance at 12 noon and dancing until about 4 p.m., when the event will wrap up with a giveaway.

"We are here today to celebrate and honour our culture through pow wow," said organizer Dorothy Gingras. "People who visit will find traditional food, dancing and crafts."

Throughout the gathering, a sacred fire will burn, where people can offer tobacco to carry their prayers to the Creator.

Gingras said people who may not be familiar with Ojibway traditions need not feel intimidated or worry about doing something wrong.

She said the event is meant to be shared with all tribes and all colours of people and the event emcee will be sure to tell people what to do and what's expected of them.

The only thing she asked is that people visiting the pow wow leave their pets at home.

Ojibway tradition calls for a blessing of the land on which the pow wow is hosted and pets are not allowed on sacred land.