The Gold Eagle Casino hosted the Sakicawasihk Pow Wow at the Access Communications Centre this past weekend. (Submitted Photo/Gold Eagle Casino)

By Austin Mattes

Culture, Community and Tradition

Gold Eagle Casino brings back Sakicawasihk Powwow for the first time since 2019

Jun 10, 2025 | 3:36 PM

The Gold Eagle Casino hosted the Sakicawasihk Powwow in North Battleford this past weekend for the first time since 2019. The event, held at Access Communications Centre, drew over 10,000 attendees in what organizers called a powerful return to tradition.

“Our last powwow here was in 2019. That was pre-COVID, and now that it is over and done with, thankfully we’re starting to get back to normal for our operations with our big community events. We’re really glad to get them going again, and we’re really happy to be bringing this big event to the Battlefords,” said Gold Eagle Casino General Manager, Kelly Atcheynum.

Dancers performing in regalia at the Sakicawasihk Powwow. (Submitted Photo/Gold Eagle Casino)

The weekend was filled with vibrant regalia, the rhythmic beat of drums, and powerful singing with over 400 people participating in grand entries and competitive dances. The pow wow also saw drum groups from all over North America perform and compete, even travelling from as far as Montana.

“One of our drum groups came all the way from Fort Peck, Montana. So we had drum groups and dancers from all over the U.S. and Canada. We were really happy to be hosting the event here,” said Atcheynum.

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Even though the powwow served as a celebration, it was also a weekend of cultural awareness and continuing tradition.

“It’s really important to keep the awareness within the Battlefords. We have a lot of First Nations people in our area, and we like to bring a welcoming atmosphere here in our community with cultural awareness,” Atcheynum explained.

(Submitted Photo/Gold Eagle Casino)

The weekend also included over $175,000 in prize giveaways, creating a major draw for competitors and attendees. Organizers acknowledged their key sponsors and volunteers for making the event possible, especially the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Community Development Corporation who contributed a generous $25,000.

“Without their help, without all the sponsors we got, it wouldn’t be as successful as it was. We are also thankful for all our volunteers and all the helpers that came out. Without them, it wouldn’t be the event that it is,” Atcheynum said.

(Submitted Photo/Gold Eagle Casino)

While competition and performances were highlights, Atcheynum emphasized the pow wow was also an open safe for the entire community to connect and learn about the culture.

“Everybody is welcome to come in, to come and watch, come and be spectators. Our grand entries are pretty amazing and all the singing and all the groups…it’s just great to bring that cultural awareness to the city. We got a really good positive response,” he said.

As the final drums quieted and the dances concluded, one message rang clear: the Sakicawasihk Powwow was more than a gathering, it was a powerful expression of identity, culture and community spirit that thrived in the heart of the Battlefords.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes