By Colton Swiderski

Flying Dust First Nation preparing for 12th annual powwow this weekend

Aug 31, 2016 | 6:00 AM

Breathtaking colours, international cuisines and traditional songs are just around the corner as Flying Dust First Nation prepares for its 12th annual powwow.

The three-day powwow has a lot of local dancers, singers and drummers who compete for cash prizes against people from across the United States. Powwow Chair, Melinda Morin said between the competitors and spectators, usually 3,000 to 5,000 people come through Flying Dust between Sept. 2 and 4.

Since this will be the last outdoor powwow of the season, and the only one in Canada this weekend, Morin expects more people than usual to come. If that happens, the First Nation’s population would be more than Meadow Lake’s for the weekend.

“We want it to be a social event but we also include praying for healing,” Morin said. “We pray for healing for the people throughout Indian country and all people in surrounding communities, especially here in Flying Dust First Nation.”

Morin said praying is done through the powwow in the dance, song and ceremonies.

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Dancers dress in traditional, colourful regalia. Morin said words can’t describe how beautiful the powwow grounds become.

“You have to see it to believe it, it’s just breathtakingly beautiful. We have jingle dress regalia, we have traditional, chicken dancers, we have fancy dancers… the regalia is so amazing and beautiful, you basically have to come see it for yourself,” she said.

Throughout the weekend, besides taking in the song and dance, people can make use of the more than a dozen food vendors. Chinese food, taco-in-a-bag, bannock tacos and other treats will also be available.

Those interested in First Nation’s textiles and outfits can visit the art booths selling jewellery, clothing, and blankets.

While there won’t be much in terms of games, Morin said there’ll be bouncy castles and activities for the children.

The powwow is happening behind Kopahawakenum School at the Arbour starting with the grand entry on Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4 the powwow starts at 1 p.m., dancers and singers take a break then start again at 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.

by Colton Swiderski

Flying Dust First Nation preparing for 12th annual powwow this weekend

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