Smoky conditions don’t dissuade spirit at youth powwow

“I think there’s going to be 2,500 to 3,000 kids, plus adults, so you know we’ll be a little bit more congested, but it’ll be fine. I mean, we’ll adapt,” he said.

Grass dancers help bless the soil. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Chow said the event is about culture and teaching people about the culture. One of the lessons taught is that the dancers wear regalia, and it should never be referred to as outfits or costumes. Students were also taught the importance of standing when there is a land acknowledgment.

Members of the Prince Albert Police Service took part in the grand entry. Deputy Chief Farica Prince said she was really happy to be a part of it.

“You know, when we look at the importance of creating a sense of identity, a sense of belonging, and people being a part of community, you know that really goes back to healing and we all need that positivity in our life. So a lot of these young people wouldn’t get a chance to experience, you know, this type of culture and even this connectivity with each other.”

Eliza Bird, 81, is from Little Red River First Nation and was there to represent the veterans. Her husband, who was from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, was in the army for nine years. As a paratrooper, he was stationed in Germany for two years and then came back to Edmonton.

“It’s so great that they have this have this opportunity to dance. Because in history, this is what we’ve done,” she said. “We are here and free, and I’m grateful for those ancestors in history.”