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Inaugural pow wow celebrates Indigenous culture, connection

The inclusive, 3-day experience takes place this weekend at 91原创 Events Centre
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Indigenous of various ages performed in the Reclaiming Youth Pow Wow that took place in Mission in July of this year. (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)

A three-day festival to celebrate Indigenous culture is coming to 91原创 this weekend, and everyone is welcome.

The pow wow will share, honour, and celebrate rich Indigenous culture, as well as build important and lasting connections, said Jayme Gabriel-Chan.

The society will be welcoming Indigenous groups from across Canada and the United States to Kwantlen First Nation land for the three-day ceremony. The event will be held at 91原创 Events Centre from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 16 to 18.

An event for people from all cultures, the upcoming pow wow is a competition between various groups competing for prize money, explained Gabriel-Chan of .

With about 1,000 competing in singing, drumming, and dancing competitions, she said people can expect to get 鈥渇ully engaged鈥 in the artistic and cultural gifts of Indigenous people.

鈥淭hese gifts demonstrate the intergenerational and interconnectedness of Indigenous culture through a variety of traditional dances and practices,鈥 added Gabriel-Chan.

In addition to the various cultural programming, st蓱l虛蓹w虛 will be hosting 50-plus Indigenous vendors and two food trucks present, all providing authentic Indigenous food, art and crafts for purchase.

Phyllis Atkins, the program coordinator at the cultural society, explained that the pow wow ceremonies are integral to many Indigenous cultures and carry great importance in the community.

鈥淭here are two categories of pow wow,鈥 shared Atkins, who hails from Kwantlen First Nation.

鈥淭he traditional one, and the competitive one,鈥 she continued.

The tiny tots category will have kids six and younger perform, and the junior class will feature dancers between ages seven and 12. Teenagers and those between 18 and 54 will have a separate category, too.

Artists aged 55-plus will participate under the golden age category. Atkins shared that the head staff will judge the regalia of the group members, in addition to the dance moves or drum beats.

All except kids six and younger will compete for prize money.

Chan shared the society is also hoping to raise money for the non-profit organization. People can donate on-site or online at .

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READ MORE: 91原创 celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day Saturday

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30373777_web1_220913-LAT-TA-PowWow-_5
Indigenous of various ages performed in the Reclaiming Youth Pow Wow that took place in Mission in July of this year. (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)
30373777_web1_220913-LAT-TA-PowWow-_2
Indigenous of various ages performed in the Reclaiming Youth Pow Wow that took place in Mission in July of this year. (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)
30373777_web1_220913-LAT-TA-PowWow-_3
Indigenous of various ages performed in the Reclaiming Youth Pow Wow that took place in Mission in July of this year. (Special to 91原创 Advance Times)


Tanmay Ahluwalia

About the Author: Tanmay Ahluwalia

Tanmay Ahluwalia is a journalist with a digital mindset and a proud alumnus of the University of Delhi.
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