The Beardys and Okemasis First Nations annual powwow began on August 23rd and lasted until August 25th.
The powwow was kicked off by grand entry at 7:00 pm on Friday, with a variety of “pop-up” specials held throughout the weekend.
Shauna Smallchild, secretary for the powwow committee, said, “the theme of the powwow this year was ‘Honouring our Elders’, where the elders that attended were called in and placed in a circle, and the people in the stands were encouraged to pray for the ones inside”.
A “red dress” special was organized on Sunday by the family of Jessica Cameron in honour of missing and murdered indigenous women. Cameron was killed by her partner, Jamie Smallchild, who was later charged with second-degree murder in relation to her death in July. The special was in remembrance of Cameron’s life and all other Indigenous women whose lives were taken too soon.
Over 700 dancers attended the traditional powwow. Smallchild said she wishes safe travels for everyone who attended and “thank you for all coming”.
