Annual powwow a tradition at Paul band school

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When students at the Paul band school celebrated their third annual powwow recently, they were helping to establish a new tradition in their school.

"This event just keeps getting bigger and better every year," says Bard Williams kindergarten teacher and on f the organizers.

The March 21 day of celebration is one of the biggest cultural events in the school year.

The chief and council are always behind events like the annual powwow. "Of the 10 councillors, all but one were in attendance," says the teacher. Parents participated as well helping with costumes and applauding encouragement as dancers whirled. Parent Wilson Bearhead took on the master of ceremonies duties. Jim Baylis from the federal department of Indian affairs, powwow chairperson Cathy Dyck and Coun. Irwin Adam also addressed the crowd.

The day included a grad entry, bannock and soup served to elders and dance demonstrations. A princess pageant, in which candidates were judged on many attributes including public speaking, was won Grade 6 student Debbie Bird.

Williams says more and more of the 190 children come in costume every year. "They have found they can dance and have a good time." The school also encourages the young people with different incentives. And that they are in touch with their traditions and culture is also exciting for them, she says.

The school teaches children from kindergarten to Grade 8. The building, located on the Paul reserve about 80 km west of Edmonton, is less than 10 years old. It sits across the street from the Gooderham school, its predecessor, which is now in uses as an adult education facility.

Other activities related to the culture of the Stoney and Cree children attending the school include weekly club meeting where cooking, games, beading and other crafts are done. "These are held during school hours and are really enjoyed by the kids," Williams says. As well the young people especially enjoy presentation by RCMP officer Michael Stewart of the nearby Stony Plain detachment. He tries to get the young people thinking of the police as their friends as much as administrators of justice and he discusses life skills with them.

Willimas is pleased the school has Paul band member Velma Bird as a teachers' aide. "Velma has been with the school many years and her input is valuable. And this year two more Native aides began working with us."