Ed Hitchins

Local Journalism Initiative

Reporter for energiticcity.ca in Fort St. John, BC

A massive gathering of Treaty 8 Nations and participants from across the region will converge on Dawson Creek for a major Indigenous event this fall.

The inaugural Cultural Gathering to Unite Communities will occur at the Ovintiv Events Centre in September. 

A press release says the event hopes to “bring together First Nations people, families and communities from across Western Canada and the north in a powerful celebration of tradition, unity and spirit.”

Hand games, an artisan market, bingo and both a pow wow and tea dance will be part of the three-day event, according to Dale Bumstead. 

As one of the event’s organizers, Bumstead says he’s been collaborating with Doig River First Nation (DRFN), West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) and Halfway River First Nation to put the event together for the past “couple of years.”

Unlike cultural camps the individual nations host, such as WestMo Days or Doig Day, different events will happen at the same time, Bumstead says.

“The difference to this is, you’re hosting three or four events simultaneously, within the same building,” Bumstead says. “What that does it draws huge interest from other nations and communities.

“We’ve really been successful in raising money to be able to put on an event that’s going to attract the dancers for the pow wow and hand games tournament. [We hope] it will draw all over Western Canada and the north.”

The press release says over $300,000 in prize money could be up for grabs for some events.

“This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are,” says Bumstead. “When we gather, we honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.”

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited at the cultural gathering. Bumstead says further information regarding ticket prices and event registration will be announced soon.