National Powwow gets the green light in Edmonton

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Plans by Treaty 6 delegates to host a Canadian National Powwow in Edmonton on May 28-31 has met with enthusiasm and support, at least morally, by the city of Edmonton.

This is one of the rare occasions in which a Treaty area, and some of the chiefs have lobbied with city representatives for something of a very different nature such as a national powwow.

A meeting with Mayor Bill Smith and senior city staff was led by powwow emcee Eric Tootoosis of the Poundmaker Reserve, on Feb. 23.

In his presentation, Tootoosis spoke of the potential benefits and impact that such an event would have on the city in terms of tourism and the economy.

The building of relations and educating the public about Aboriginal traditions and customs, will also be a beneficial.

Tootoosis and powwow chairman, Henry Moosepayo from Kehewin First Nation, pointed out that the event could very well grow and rapidly become the largest cultural gathering of its kind in Canada.

The event could even rank right up there with some of the American giants like Gathering of the Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Schimitzen Powwow in Hartford, Connecticut.

At the meeting, Tootoosis provided an explanation and the significance of the powwow, zeroing in on how a national powwow in Edmonton would be a "real draw" that will compliment the city and assist in putting it on the map to an even greater extent than it is now.

In citing a few of the major features, said Tootoosis, there would be a superb grand entry which is always a highlight as well as competition dancing, drumming and singing, hand games, a tipi village, and all sorts of Aboriginal arts and crafts booths.

The city was asked to cost-share the approximate budget of 175,000 dollars, but if it couldn't, to at least provide some in-kind services. One area the city felt it would be willing to accommodate is help with the marketing and promotion of the function.

As for the site for the powwow, the Agricom in Edmonton has been booked and the Skyreach Centre (formerly the Coliseum) is being eyed as the possible venue for next year.

The powwow committee also includes vice-president James Gladue of Beaver Lake, secretary Jane Woodward from Edmonton, director, Randy Metchawais of Cold Lake and Willy Klyne from Edmonton.