The 14th Annual Peace River Pow-Wow took place on June 3-4, 2017.
Event Chairperson Wendy Goulet says this year’s event was a very successful one, with 307 dancers and 12 drum groups registered.
Dancers in traditional regalia perform at the Peace River Pow-Wow over the weekend. (Photo/Peace River Broadcasting)
“Our dancers come from all over western Canada, and even into the (United States),” Goulet told the Trending 55 Newsroom. “We have dancers from Idaho, and even as far south as Arizona. We’re getting to be a big name for the outdoor pow-wow circuit.
“We were the only (scheduled event) for this weekend,” she continued. “So we’re kind of the kick-off event for outdoor pow-wows for this season.”
Goulet is especially proud that the event can still be held, even with the not-so-rosy economic situation.
“The best thing about our pow-wow is that even with the economic situation, is that it’s a free pow-wow,” she said. “So for the families to come out and do something for themselves on the weekend, it’ll cost them absolutely nothing. They get the opportunity to bring a picnic if they want, or they can enjoy some of our traditional food from our vendors that we have on the grounds.”
The pow-wow also featured dance contests, drum contests, and even some hand games. As well, there was jigging, fiddling, various display tables, some authentic Indigenous craft tables, as well as some children’s craft activities.
And for the dances, Goulet says that even if you’re not competing in the contest, or if you’re not dressed up, there was still an opportunity for everyone to get up and dance.
“Anybody can get up in our Inter-Tribal dances,” said Goulet. “And you can get up and dance to the beat of Mother Earth. The drums will call you in.”
She says as long as the event remains successful, they’ll just keep doing what it is that they’re doing.
“We love coming out to the Peace River Agricultural Grounds every year at Northern Sunrise County,” Goulet said. “We love offering free camping to our participants, and seeing this event grow into a great event every year.”
The event was also the 22nd Annual Aboriginal Gathering in the area.
– Posted by BET
