New powwow is a week away
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: July 16, 2009 10:04 PM
They're billing it as the biggest aboriginal cultural event of 2009 in B.C.
After months of planning, the Spirit of the People Powwow is ready to go July 24-26 at Prospera Centre.
"We've had such a huge response," said Paula Cranmer-Underhill. "We've been fielding calls from all over."
Spectators will be arriving from as far away as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, as well as from Washington State, Alberta, B.C. and Ontario to experience traditional powwow dancing, singing and drumming.
Do organizers expect to sell out Prospera Centre, which can hold a whopping 5,000 spectators in tiered seating?
"It's entirely possible," said Cranmer-Underhill.
After all it's a whole new powwow for Chilliwack, in a new and larger venue.
One of the special attractions of the new event is a hand-drum contest, to go along with the big drum contests at the event. The goal is to showcase the Sto:lo style of traditional singing.
"The hand-drumming we see on the West Coast is very different from powwow drumming," Cranmer-Underhill said. "The songs have a distinct sound and reflect coastal traditions."
Philip Lockerby and Darwin Douglas will be judging both drum styles.
"Chilliwack Zack" Cailing is the arena director and the host drum is Eya-Hey Nakoda. The event's master of ceremonies is Gerald Sitting Eagle.
Sitting Eagle is a well respected emcee and cultural leader coming from Siksika, Alberta, she said.
"He'll bring a lot of people with him," she said.
Visitors can also look forward to a gastronomic adventure with June's bannock, Indian tacos, the sweetest Chilliwack corn, barbecued, smoked and candied salmon, Indian teas and Indian ice cream.
Spirit of the People, July 24-26 at Prospera Centre, with songs, regalia, dancing, traditional foods, and princess pageant. Grand entry at 7 p.m. on Friday, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and at noon on Sunday for one session only. Tickets from Ticketmaster or at the door, $10 a day or $20 for the weekend. Elders 60+ and under 5 get in free. 604-824-5276
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
v2
