Storm postpones powwow dancing

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The wind blew up, the dancers ran for shelter and the crowd scattered as security tried to maintain calm.

The Blood First Nation Millennium Fair, Rodeo & Powwow Celebration 2000 was hit by a severe wind storm on the evening of July 22.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. the powwow arbor and grounds were thrashed by the powerful winds, causing tents and trees to blow over. A power line was blown down and so were several port-a-potties. Emergency services immediately responded to restore power at the site.

"I ran around in the dust trying to pick my stuff up. We all panicked a bit. We've never had winds like that before," said Carol Bay Chief. "I was worried about my dog blowing away. But then I realized he was already in the car, sleeping."

Blood Tribe Police Services called for an evacuation of the grounds at approximately 10 p.m. when the winds would not settle. The crowd withdrew without any injury or further complication.

"I'm most pleased with the temporary security staff and how they dealt with the situation," said Deputy Police Chief Al Rudd. "They knew what they were doing."