The Thanksgiving pow wow will run Saturday and Sunday at Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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Thanksgiving pow wow brings families together, says dancers

Oct 7, 2023 | 8:39 AM

The booming and mesmerizing sound of drum beats is echoing throughout Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre this weekend.

After a five-year hiatus, the Northern Lights Casino’s Thanksgiving pow-wow has returned and hundreds of people took part in Friday night’s grand entry ceremony including dancers, dignitaries and veterans. Richard Ahenakew, General Manager of the casino, told paNOW the event is a big deal for the city.

“You couldn’t find a hotel room in town right now,” he said, adding some of the restaurants have taken on extra staff to meet the demand. “I would say this is one of the biggest events for Prince Albert, one of the top two for sure.”

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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The last pow-wow was held in 2018, and this year’s event marks the 20th of its kind in 24 years. Competitive dancers come from all over Saskatchewan, as well as Alberta, Manitoba and parts of the United States. April Tawipisin from northern Manitoba is attending her first competition.

“Seeing everyone here looking beautiful and ready to dance, it’s awesome,” she said

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The 60-year-old dancer has only been dancing for 20 years and explained it as a way to reclaim her identity.

Leanne Dreaver from Big River First Nation has been dancing for over 15 years and looks forward to the event in Prince Albert.

“There’s more family here and you get to visit. It’s like a family reunion kinda place,” she explained.

Events run Saturday and Sunday, and start both days at 1 p.m. Anyone not able to travel to Prince Albert to attend in person can also watch through the casino’s Facebook page.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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