Powwow season ends with a bang

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It's considered the wind-up bash of the powwow season, Manitoba's own International Powwow.

There is $70,000 on the line for the 500 competitors expected to attend.

A full three days of some of the country's finest drumming, singing and dancing will be performed for the 20,000 spectators the powwow is expected to draw.

"This will be quite a show," said Jim Compton, an organizer of the event.

The International Powwow held is inaugural powwow last year.

It was designed to promote the traditional and cultural aspects of First Nations people and to promote First Nations spiritual awareness.

How did the powwow get it's start?

It's simple, said Compton. A city the size of Winnipeg, with as many Native people living here, should have had a festival that featured Native culture. Winnipeg didn't have such a festival.

Winnipeg is often called the biggest reserve in Canada, yet it did not have the same kind of large Aboriginal gathering that can be found in other Canadian cities. That is, not until the International Powwow came along.

The event was a huge success with competition attracting singers and dancers from throughout Canada and the U.S. Since then it's taken on a life of it's own, said Compton.

This year's powwow is expected to equal this initial success. Entertainers such as rap singer Litefoot, recently featured in the movie Indian in the Cupboard, singer/actor Tom Jackson, and some of the crew from North of 60, will be there.

There have been 12 drums invited to the powwow, said Compton. Host drum will be the incomparable Stoney Park Singers.

Anyone who wants to come and take in some good times and have a good weekend is invited, said Compton. For more information on the International Powwow, he suggests calling the main office at (204)949-9061.