Powwow builds community connections

Southern Alberta Newspapers Photo by Alexandra Noad. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: A young girl participates in the youth fancy dance at the Bridging the Gap Powwow held in Cardston on July 17.

By Alexandra Noad
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While it may have looked dreary outside it didn’t affect members from Cardston, Moses Lake and the Blood Tribe as they gathered in a spirit of community and held a powwow for the first time in five years on July 17.

Paula Brown, councillor for the Town of Cardston, says with the communities being so close together it’s imperative they work together.

During one of their monthly meetings there was a discussion about hosting a powwow and Brown says many volunteers stepped up to the plate to make it a success.

“You can’t imagine how many volunteer hours go into this, again that’s volunteer hours and our sponsors.”

The Moses Lake community applied for a grant to make the event possible and Brown emphasized how important this event was to the communities.

“That’s when you know people are willing to show up and it’s more than just words; they put their money forward.”

The powwow was supposed to be outside, however due to the inclement weather, it was moved to the arena and people didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits.

Brown says two days before the event she was very nervous but ended up being blown away as almost 200 dancers and 10 drum groups registered with one of the drum groups travelling all the way from Arizona to compete.

Brown adds that Travis Plaited Hair, chief of Blood Tribe Chief and council, recommended they put this on just after Stampede and before Kainai Indian Days, which she says contributes to the success of the event.

Among the many dancers and drum groups a group of five female teenagers competed to be the princess who would represent the communities at local events.

Outgoing princess Kodi Plume, who held the honour for the last six years, passed the torch onto Suzette Braverock who will hold the title for the upcoming year.

There was also an honour dance held for Nash Calf Robe-Potts, a young teen who passed away last month.

Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika, said in a speech at the powwow it’s events like these that help build communities.

“It’s about building relationships, strengthening bonds with others.”

While the powwow may be over, there is still plenty of work for the communities, says Brown.

“We have struggles in Cardston and they have struggles on the reserve and together is how we make it better.”

Through monthly meetings and many community gatherings Brown says they are committed to reconciliation not just in words, but also in their actions.