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Hundreds coming to the Battlefords for Sakicawasihk Powwow

Jul 11, 2016 | 7:00 PM

Dancers, drummers and hand game specialists are coming from across the continent to compete in North Battleford this week.

The Sakicawasihk Powwow starts Tuesday, July 12 in North Battleford and people are coming from as far as New Mexico, committee chair Roger Anderson said.

“Each category will definitely have world champion dancers,” he said. “The categories are going to be so competitive, it’s going to be good to watch.”

The competitions last for three days and include various categories of dances and drumming. Hand guessing games are a new competition this year, which Anderson said is a great addition to the event.

He said the competitions will be exciting both for people who love powwows and people who have never experienced First Nations culture before.

“Meet friends, meet new people, watch the competition,” he said. “Just come out and enjoy the environment.”

Anderson said 400 to 500 dancers are expected, in addition to drum groups, hand game competitors and guests. He said he hopes the event will be good for Battlefords businesses, with people getting out into the community and spending money.

As for the expected rain, Anderson said that won’t be a problem. There are tents set up and organizers are well prepared for bad weather.

The Sakicawasihk Powwow takes place July 12 to 14 at the North Battleford Exhibition Grounds. The grand entry is at 2 p.m. the first day and 12 p.m. the next two days.

Sarah Rae is battlefordsNOW’s court and crime reporter. She can be reached at Sarah.Rae@jpbg.ca or tweet her @sarahjeanrae. Concerns regarding this story can be addressed to News Director Geoff Smith at 306-446-6397.