Photo of a Men's Chicken Dancer watching the Stampede POW-WOW
The Calgary Stampede has a long history with many Indigenous Nations of Southern Alberta and one of the biggest showcases of First Nation Culture outside the Elbow River Camp is the Stampede POW-WOW.
Held in the Scotiabank Saddledome, with the lower bowl filled with spectators from around the world.
Kettle drums echoed through the dome as dancers competed for championship titles at the Stampede POW-WOW.
With styles like Buckskin, Prairie Chicken, Grass, Jingle Dress, Men’s, and Women’s Fancy and Traditional if you’re new to the POW-WOW trail, it can be pretty intimidating.
88.1 CJWE spoke with different dancers to hear their story and background about their style of dance.
Lyman SmallBoy from Northern Alberta has been dancing grass for 35 years and counting, and shares his history with the dance.
Photo of Lyman SmallBoy (middle) with his son (left) and nephew (right) at the Stampede POW-WOW
Dancing is a way to reconnect with one’s culture and traditions. Fancy Dancer Amanda Mcmullin from Manitoba shared how dancing help her and her family reconnect with their heritage.
Photo of Fancy Dancers at the 2023 Stampede POW-WOW
POW-WOW competitions are judged events where footwork, ability to follow the drum beat and regalia are all looked at by a team of assigned judges.
Jovi Kootenay a Traditional Dancer from Morley shares how the judging works and a bit of her story of why she dances traditional.
Photo of Jovi Kootney a Stoney Nakota Traditional Dancer
Winners of each age and style category won a cash prize, commemorative shirt, and belt buckle along with the title of champion at the Calgary Stampede.
During the final Weekend of the Calgary Stampede, make sure to visit the Elbow River Camp to learn more about the Treaty 7 nations.
The next Big POW-WOW and Rodeo in Treaty 7 is the 50 years POW-WOW and Rodeo held in Tsuut’ina July 27 to July 30.
If you have never been to a POW-WOW, it will be a great opportunity to learn and take in First Nation Culture.
For more details visit the CJWE community events calendar.
Comments