Tipi village survives

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A powerful wind storm threatened to end the traditional powwow held at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre during the Buffalo Days Powwow and Tipi Village celebration July 21 to 23.

The traditional powwow arbor assembled with willows and tree branches that was nestled among 27 Blackfoot tipis survived the thrashing on the evening of the 22nd.

"It was quite funny because when it got really windy it just hit the east side of the tipi camp," said special events officer Louisa Crow Shoe. "It hit one tipi hard and they had to take it down. The toilets on the east side blew down but none of the ones on the west blew down and then it went into the parking lot and made a huge mess. Our security did a really good job calming everybody down."

The Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump Interpretative Centre and powwow annually draws 6,000 to 9,000 tourists from all over the world.

"We've never had any major problems," said security supervisor Jocelyn English. "We have 20 members on our security staff alternating between day and night shifts, and things always go very well."

The 14th annual powwow was initiated to commemorate the royal opening of the interpretive centre on July 23, 1987. This years event drew more than 200 competitive dancers and several drum groups. Drum group Painted Horse from the Tsuu T'ina First Nation took first place, winning $2000 in prize money.

"We try to keep it traditional," said Crow Shoe. "When you go to other powwows you see lots of motor homes. We keep it traditional so our Elders feel comfortable coming here. We have the same Elders who come back year after year who say they feel at home and feel a sense of belonging."

A highlight for the event was children's performer and puppeteer Derrick Starlight from Tsuu T'ina who performed just before the wind storm.

"Although we were at the mercy of the weather, things turned out very well," said Crow Shoe. "Derrick's performance was so entertaining for everyone. Everybody really enjoyed it."

Organizers have already set July 20 to 22 as the dates for next year's event.