For six hours last Friday, the Thomas Dueck Powwow went strong at Lake City Secondary Columneetza Campus.
Dozens of dancers and drummers gathered together to put on the event with groups coming from across the Cariboo, B.C and even as far as Alberta. All were united by a love of their traditional culture and a desire to share it with the youth of Williams Lake.
The event rarely paused for breath and went at full tilt for the entire day, with specifically themed dance demonstrations mixed in with plenty of inter-tribal dances that got lakecity kids dancing alongside the traditional dancers. Such moments were a beautiful display of multiculturalism and interconnectedness.
Read More: Thomas-Dueck Powwow happening all day Friday
Named in honour of former student Casey Thomas and social teacher Vick Dueck, who originate idea that led to the powwow, this was the fifth powwow Columneetza has hosted.
This was the first to run all day and the school intends to continue to put this event on due to the unrivalled opportunity for lakecity youth to be exposed to powwow culture.
Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Willie Sellars said that of all the projects and events he has in the works, this powwow is one he most looks forward to, year after year.
Organizer George Fraser said he intends to continue to organize the event in the future.
patrick.davies@wltribune.com
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