Hundreds of students packed the Centennial Civic Centre on June 5 for an Inter-school Tribal Powwow.
The event brought together students, elders and community members under bright lights and colourful regalia. Drumbeats echoed through the arena as dancers moved in circles. The crowd clapped along to the beat while smiles and songs filled the room.
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“It’s important because we want our students to have an understanding of Indigenous culture and what it’s like to go into an interschool tribal powwow,” said Cynthia Young, Indigenous program coordinator for Lloydminster Catholic School Division.
Young also serves as co-chair of the Heart of Treaty 6 reconciliation, who helped organize the event with the support of two school boards and numerous local groups.
“It’s not just two school boards. It’s a group of agencies for the Heart of Treaty 6, but it’s our school boards that are headlining everything,” she said, noting the powwow builds confidence in students.
“I want them to have the confidence to do that,” she said about participating in cultural events.
Young thanked those who helped make the day happen.
“Oh, a big round of applause for them. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what we do here today,” she said.
“We have donations for the food and water. It’s just amazing how our agencies and businesses have come together to support this.”
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