Pearl Lorentzen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Various communities in the area are celebrating Indigenous People’s Day, which is Saturday, June 21. Wabasca is holding a powwow. Slave Lake will have powwow dancers, etc. Swan River First Nation has a carnival day. Driftpile Cree Nation has Treaty Days.
Friday
The Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre (SLNFC) is holding an Indigenous Day Celebration in Slave Lake.
It’ll be the same as last year, says Barbara Courtorielle, SLNFC executive director. However, it will be on Friday, June 20, so that the school kids can attend. It is open to everyone in the community.
The Slave Lake event is in Schurter Park. The grand entry is at 11:30 a.m. and goes into the late afternoon. The event includes a free barbecue, Young Wild and Cree drum group, Rocky Walker Band, and powwow dancers. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on the ground.
Saturday
On Saturday, June 21, Swan River and Wabasca have events.
Swan River has a carnival day at the Wapsewsipi Awasiak Kamik (youth rec centre), starting at 1 p.m. sharp. It is open to the whole community and celebrates culture with games, activities, and fun.
Bigstone Cree Nation and the M.D. of Opportunity have teamed up to hold a parade through town and powwow on June 21 in Wabasca.
The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. (judging at 10 a.m.). It is from Sam G Park to the M.D. office. The powwow is from noon to 6 p.m. at the Bigstone cultural grounds by the Marian Wolitski Arena in Wabasca. The grand entry is at 1 p.m. The host drum is Red Elk. The emcee is Al Crawford.
“The major goal is bringing powwow back to the community,” says Regan Auger, M.D. assistant director of Recreation and Culture.
Wabasca hasn’t had a powwow for about 10 years, he adds.
The theme is ‘Honouring Our Youth.’ The powwow includes an initiation special, giveaway, and feast. The initiation special is a chance for local youth who have taken part in a powwow dancing class to be initiated into powwow dancing.
Saturday and Sunday
June 21 and 22, Driftpile Cree Nation is holding Treaty Days at the Driftpile powwow grounds. June 21 events are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They begin with a flag raising and end with a steak supper, and include kids games, adult games, golf for adults, and tug of war. On June 22, the events run from noon to 7 p.m. and include elders games, adult games, hand games, bannock and tea making, a mini round dance, and a barbecue dinner. Food and craft vendors will be on site.
Back lakes
Loon River First Nation had a whole list of activities for Indigenous People’s Day. The plans have changed, because of the community being evacuated to Edmonton because of a wildfire.
A beach volleyball tournament for youth was moved to the University of Alberta campus on June 12. Other events may be held in Edmonton the weekend of June 20 to 22. Up to date information is on the nation’s Facebook page.