The Grand Entry participants listen to the drumming during the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Powwow

National Indigenous People’s Day Traditional Powwow a day of celebration and healing

Jun 19, 2024 | 5:20 PM

As the sun shone down on the grounds of the Western Development Museum in North Battleford, visitors gathered to celebrate with one another. Voices joyful with anticipation mingled with the drumming music blasting from the speakers and as the annual National Indigenous People’s Day Traditional Powwow got underway, the mood was one of light, excitement but also one of healing.

“It’s such a great day for people to come out,” said Kristin Parenteau, a family service worker and supervisor from Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services.

A young fancy dancer at the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

She explained that students from local schools, residents of regional care homes, community members and elders were all taking part in the reconciliation.

“It’s such a nice thing to see especially not just our indigenous people coming here to celebrate the day and celebrate the holiday, Parenteau said.

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The event, a gathering of families and communities, was put on in partnership with Kanaweyimik and the WDM, with sponsoring from Battlefords and Area Tribal Chiefs Community Development Corporation, Gold Eagle Casino, and Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and was attended by local dignitaries.

Young dancers make the Grand Entry at the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It’s so nice to see people of other backgrounds come and enjoy and see our beautiful culture and experience it and have awareness that now matter that everything our people have been through over the past how many years that they’re still here and they’re still proud and they’re still strong.”

In opening remarks, Chief Chrystal Okemow of Lucky Man Cree Nation welcomed all to the celebrations and thanked the Creator for bringing everyone together.

“When we come together like this, we showcase our culture and it’s a chance for our neighbours and our partners to learn a little bit about us every time that we get to celebrate,” she said.

John Donnie Littlewolf came out from Onion Lake Cree Nation to take part in the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It’s a good day to be together and I encourage the ones that are the spectators during inter-tribals to get up and dance and feel that good energy from the drums and the singers.”

According to John Donnie Littlewolf of Onion Lake Cree Nation, although he came out by “his lonesome”, the day was one of reunion.

“I’m feeling great and awesome, just being along with my people and the community.”

Dressed in regalia of the black wolf, Littlewolf explained it was passed down from his forefathers and he also dances with it.

“The wolf is a hunter and his preys are the weaker ones, it keeps the balance of nature somewhat in harmony.”

Littlewolf said in someway or another without the apex predator, chaos – drugs, alcohol, homelessness, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), residential school survivours – reign.

The Wild horse Singers drum at the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It uplifts my spirit due to the fact that I’m here for my healing and share that with the people that can’t dance.”

According to Heather O’Neill, WDM programs and volunteer co-ordinator, they couldn’t ask for a better afternoon.

“Our hope is really to just share the culture with North Battleford and the surrounding areas,” she said, noting their important partnership with Kanaweyimik.

“They’re the lead behind planning the powwow.”

A trio of young dancers take part in the National Indigenous People’s Day Powwow at the Western Development Museum grounds on Weds., June 19. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

O’Neill said the goal was continuing the path to reconciliation through education and developing relationships.

Cherish Weenie of Sweetgrass First Nation came with students of Sakewew High School along with her own daughters and nieces who were going to be dancing later in the day.

“It’s healing just the girls dance, the kids dance, it’s healing to them, to us,” she said.

“It means a lot to see everyone together too, it’s always good.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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