Big auntie earring competitions a standout event at Treaty Days celebrations

Treaty Days celebrations across Canada are witnessing a new, vibrant addition this summer: the "Big Auntie Earring" competitions. These events, held during the traditional time for First Nations to receive annual annuity payments from the Government of Canada, are adding a unique element of humor and creativity.

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The trend just sort of started this summer and kind of came out of nowhere but I’m glad it did. It’s just awesome.

Competitors showcase their ingenuity by designing and wearing exaggerated, often humorous, oversized earrings. Delanie Bruyere, a winner at the Sagkeeng First Nation Treaty Days, described her winning design which featured coat hanger hooks and beadwork made from cut-up pool noodles. "The trend just sort of started this summer and kind of came out of nowhere but I’m glad it did," Bruyere said. "It’s just awesome."

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We like to use humor in a lot of the things we do so what better way to take something that a lot of us wear with pride, like the earrings, and add some humor to it.

Bruyere highlighted the role of humor in these competitions, stating, "We like to use humor in a lot of the things we do so what better way to take something that a lot of us wear with pride, like the earrings, and add some humor to it." The trend has gained popularity across the Prairies of Canada and the plains of the U.S., with past competitions held at various First Nations and more expected at events like the Schemitzun Powwow in Connecticut.

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I think it will stick around, I mean everyone loves it.

Bruyere believes the trend is here to stay, noting its widespread appeal. "I think it will stick around, I mean everyone loves it," she said. Other notable creations have included earrings made from soda cans and pizza boxes, demonstrating that imagination is the only limit. "It’s a fun way to get people together and laugh together," Bruyere added.

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It’s a fun way to get people together and laugh together.