It was a day full of fun, pride, and reconciliation last Saturday (Oct. 22) as people from all parts of B.C. attended School District 78’s (SD78) second annual powwow.
“It’s good to see us come together, and really important to have us share the cultural ways of where we’re from,” said Chawathil First Nation (CFN) Chief Norm Florence, who gave the welcoming speech during the grand entry.
Big smiles were present throughout as over 300 people filled the Hope Secondary School (HSS) gym and watched as powwow dancers, from throughout the province, showed off their footwork and regalia. This year’s event was bigger than ever with even more dancers and competition categories for them to show off in.
Like last year, the event started at 1 p.m., and those in attendance — which included Florence, Spuzzum First Nation (SFN) James Hobart, Boston Bar First Nation (BBFN) Chief Pamala Roberts, Mayor Victor Smith, and Superintendent Balan Moorthy — were able to see Grass, Fancy, Traditional, and Jingle dance styles.
Starting with the grand entry, which marked the official start of the powwow, dancers, and officials from Hope and the local First Nation communities, held flags as drummers opened the ceremony.
The event was emceed by the Master of Ceremonies Chris Wells. The arena director was Everette White and Blackfish, a drumming group from Chilliwack, was the host drum.
In addition to Florence, speeches were also given by Smith and Moorthy.
“If you look around this room, it’s important to recognize how (significant it is that people) are wearing their regalia,” Moorthy said. “We’re honoured to have you here in our school. And we see this as an important step in truth and reconciliation.”
After the grand entry, dancers of all ages entered the floor dressed in traditional, handmade, dance attire of their cultures. The dance floor was opened up by Head Lady Dancer Breanna Tso and Head Man Dancer Charlie Michell. Afterwards, attendees watched as participants competed in a variety of categories/specials.
This included: Tiny Tots, Mens Grass Special, Novice First Time Dancers (which were all hosted by SD78), Honouring Our Mothers (hosted by the Peters family), Junior Girls Fancy, Junior Boys Grass, Teen Boys Grass (which were all hosted by Boston Bar First Nation), Ladies Jingle, Teen Girls Jingle (which were all hosted by Gwen Point and Steven Point), Sweetheart dance, Owl dance (which were hosted by Breanna Tso and Charlie Michell), and Mens Traditional (which was hosted by Chawathil First Nation).
Food was also available to purchase as well as items from various Indigenous vendors.
Powwows celebrate the richness of Indigenous cultures, their traditions, and their heritages — including Indigenous dance, music, food, and art. Prohibited in 1876 until 1951 by the Indian Act, which banned the celebrations of ceremonies and dance, today powwows are “cultural exchanges” that are also part of healing ceremonies.
This is especially important as, due to the fear and persecution associated with openly celebrating one’s indigeneity, many people grew up unable to attend or be part of their cultural celebrations.
“It was an honour to be a part of (this powwow),” said CFN Coun. Monica Florence. “Chawathil was happy to be a part of the sponsorship and to be a part of the welcoming to the shared territory, with the other local First Nation communities.
“It felt good to be a part of an event at the school, and showing the kids that they can enjoy their culture, dancing, and singing when they go to school. And not feel ashamed or belittled for doing so. A total different atmosphere from when I went to school.”
