Waterhen Lake Cree First Nation hopes for another successful powwow

The community of Waterhen Lake Cree First Nation is set to welcome guests who will dance, drum, teach and spectate at the fourth annual traditional powwow this weekend.

Joanne Roy, the portfolio councillor spearheading the organizing committee, said before each grand entry community elders pray for the wellbeing of any visitors and the host reserve.

“They pray for the greater spirit to guide us and fill our people with the cultural component and to appreciate who we are as Cree people,” she said.

There will be five grand entries throughout the Aug. 12 to 14 powwow.

Throughout the weekend, MCs speak in Cree as they educate people on the different dances and meanings behind songs.

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“First and foremost, it’s important to continue practicing our culture so we can teach our younger generation, because when you teach our younger generation our culture which involves respect, love, humility, hopefulness that we will instill better people from our community,” Roy said.

Last year, Roy said 289 dancers registered from tiny tots to elders with upwards of 600 people coming to spectate each day.

“I’m still learning myself what the powwow’s mean. What I do know, the powwow represents and showcases some of the dances our people have practiced historically like the chicken dance, fancy dance and jingle dresses. Each of them has a representation,” Roy said.

Throughout the weekend, Waterhen’s veterans and elders are recognized for their contributions to the community. Those who dance and drum are paid out each day and have the opportunity to compete for cash payouts.

Each year, the celebration seems to grow in size. This year, there’s 13 booths coming in with concession items such as bannock burgers and tacos.

“It’s not about whether or not it’s a big powwow or a small powwow, the overall intent is to have the community gather, invite out visitors, enjoy, learn and have a good time,” Roy said.

She added she’s looking forward to another successful, traditional powwow for Waterhen.

On Friday, Aug. 12 the event starts at 7 p.m. while Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday Aug. 14 grand entries are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.