Friendship, reconciliation, healing and hope at this year’s Lead By Example Powwow

Youth dancer at the Lead By Example Powwow, photo by William L Baliko

This past weekend the Siksika Nation and the Town of Strathmore co-hosted the third annual Lead By Example Powwow.  In memory of Kristian Ayoungman, this powwow is an active partnership in healing and reconciliation.  This three-day event featured a drumming competition with talented singers from across Turtle Island (North America).

There were dancers of all ages, from tiny tots to golden years dancers, and visitors from far and wide, both Indigenous and non-indigenous, the furthest travelling from Europe: Slovakia.

New Agency singer and drummer O.J. Goffrey, from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, shares the reason he sings:

This year’s theme is “moving forward together”, and it could not be more evident of the forward, healing progress being made through these communities.