Patrick Mitsuing (right) with a fellow dancer and UFC fighter Sean O'Malley at Super Bowl LVII's Opening Night event in Arizona. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

part of first steps

Cree dancer and Sylvan Lake resident performing at Super Bowl with other big things on the horizon

Feb 11, 2023 | 1:01 PM

A Sylvan Lake resident, who happens to be a world champion fancy dancer, has taken his talents to the Super Bowl, happening this Sunday in Arizona.

Patrick Mitsuing, originally from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation — also known as Loon Lake, Saskatchewan — is known locally for putting on the Powwow Times Red Deer International Gathering.

Mitsuing found out in recent months he was requested to share his art form on game day, prior to the game beginning, alongside big name artists such as Cardi B and Mary J. Blige during a festival-like set of performances.

Mitsuing acknowledges the NFL has faced its challenges with diversity the last several years, not to mention one of the teams playing this weekend — Kansas City — has an Indigenous moniker, but sees his presence and other things happening as a door cracking open.

“They’ve had some issues with cultural stuff, be it with Kaepernick or mascots, so for them to start doing some of the work in terms of recognizing Indigenous people now is huge. It’s huge for me to be part their first steps in reconciliation,” says Mitsuing, 38.

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“Dancing is part of my identity and who I am, it connects me to my culture, and it doesn’t matter what platform I’m on, be it with a small group of people or at the Super Bowl, space is being created for us. That’s the first place other people learn the stories of Indigenous people.”

Mitsuing shares that being part of the Super Bowl festivities has led to multiple bookings, near and far, which is validating.

(Supplied)

“Us dancers put a lot of hours into our craft, a lot of money is invested into regalia, there’s the time and travel, so to do things like this and be elevated as artists, I’m super honoured, especially when it could be any one of our dancers from back home. But I’m glad I’m here.”

Mitsuing notes the NFL commissioned an Indigenous Super Bowl logo and will also be doing a land acknowledgement for the first time.

The man behind Powwow Times was eight when he first took up dancing, and it hasn’t led him to just the Super Bowl.

With wife Marrisa, the Powwow Times was booked late last year to host an event similar to Red Deer’s international gathering, but this time in Los Angeles, this fall. It will happen the same month as Red Deer’s so the span will be a busy one for the Mitsuings.

“The goal is to take powwow and bring it into the world of pop culture, and attract a new audience for Indigenous culture,” he explains. “We’re definitely going to be inviting a few stars, and there’s a documentary behind it that will be a big production.”

It’s like The Notorious B.I.G. said, says Mitsuing, You never thought that hip–hop would take it this far.

“I feel that way with powwow. I started off as a dancer and my biggest goal then was just to place and win at least fourth so I could get prize money to get to my next powwow. Or even just to put towards nicer regalia. These were my goals in life,” he says. “I never thought I’d be hosting an event in Red Deer, or during Calgary Stampede, nevermind then taking it to L.A. and performing at the biggest events in the world. It’s an answer to a lot of prayers.”

Mitsuing feels strongly about being on his own Hero’s Journey, one where he started from ground zero with little resources, to a position where he’s inspiring Indigenous youth to achieve what they dream.

“We get taught from an early age to kind of assimilate into a westernized world of living. It took a long time to find my path and my own culture. It saved me and Marrisa; it taught us how to treat people, work with community and find a place where we belong. It’s brought healing from generational trauma and the effects of colonization, and helped us learn where we fit in this thing called life,” he says.

“With that in mind, I’m dancing at the Super Bowl this weekend not only for me, but my family, my community and my people.”