2025 Okotoks & Siksika powwow/ Photo by Cassidy Waterchief
The Town of Okotoks hosted their first annual powwow with the Siksika Nation on May 31 and June 1, 2025, as a commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation. According to knowledge keeper and member of the Siksika Nation Kent Ayoungman, amongst the Siksikaitsitapi, Okotoks is a Blackfoot word meaning ‘big rock’ that originated from the historical stories of Napi.
This powwow was an opportunity to celebrate National Indigenous People’s History Month with traditional dancing, drumming, culture, and identity. One of the specials of this weekend included the ladies Blackfoot style dress.
According to Ayoungman this dress is now making its way into the powwow circle. Till recently you could only find these specific dresses in museums. Knowledge keepers and community members have been working hard over the years to bring sacred items back to their home communities. Repatriation of these items is important because it brings a sense of healing and restoring identity back to the community. Before the special started Ayoungman shares how the dresses are cherished because of the world around them. The Siksikaitsitapi were given sacred gifts that represent the connection they have to the land and climate.
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