A volunteer-run Indigenous dance group with a 40-year history in the region is getting significant financial help from the municipality to help purchase specialized footwear and traditional regalia for its young performers.
During the regular council meeting on July 27 in Sandy Lake, recreation and culture director Angela Lightning presented a grant application from local organizer Helen Brulé. Brulé is working hard to revive a beloved youth dance group that features 14 performers from both Sandy Lake and Wabasca.
Lightning told the council that Brulé has been a cornerstone of local cultural programming for four decades. She had briefly stepped away from organizing the dance group following the tragic passing of a loved one, but she is now returning to bring the much-needed program back to life.
Initially, Brulee submitted a grant application for $2,800. The money was intended to cover the costs of raw materials, labour and local seamstresses to create traditional regalia for the dancers. In Indigenous culture, regalia is much more than just clothing; it is a deeply personal expression of spiritual identity, heritage and family history that takes immense time and skill to create.
However, as the council reviewed the application, they recognized that the performers also needed proper footwear to safely practice and perform. Lightning noted that specialized dancing shoes are quite expensive, costing around $850 for just four pairs. Outfitting all 14 dancers with the proper footwear and regalia would require roughly $4,184 in total.
Lightning also pointed out to the room that Brulee volunteers all of her own time to facilitate the group. She never charges the dancers or their families a single dime to participate, making the program accessible to all local youth regardless of their financial situation.
Reeve Marcel D. Auger voiced strong support for the program, highlighting its deep community value and the positive ripple effects it has on the dancers.
“Everybody really enjoys seeing them at community events,” Auger said during the meeting. “It brings an aspect of our culture back, and it significantly boosts the self-esteem of these kids when they perform.”
Research consistently shows that connecting Indigenous youth with their cultural traditions, such as drumming and dancing, plays a vital role in building resilience, improving mental health and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Recognizing this positive impact on the community, Councillor Darlene Jackson suggested the municipality should not just approve the initial request, but fully fund the entire initiative and provide a bit of a financial buffer.
“If we give a bit of extra money, it will surely help the program thrive,” Jackson said.
Council unanimously agreed, voting to bump the final grant approval up to $4,500. The extra funding will ensure the young dancers have everything they need to confidently take the stage.
Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter