The weather cooperated as dancers, drummers, vendors and spectators ignited the Father's Day Traditional Pow Wow Friday, June 14 hosted by Williams Lake First Nation.
While a thunderstorm had been in the forecast, it was a beautiful evening as the sun was shining down into the Chief William Pow Wow Arbor at Sugar Cane.
As he welcomed everyone to WLFN territory, Chief Willie Sellars said the pow wow has been going on for 25-plus years.
"It is truly an honour for us to host you during this very special weekend," he said. "I want to hold up our elders and hold up our pow wow and all those who have persevered and worked so hard to keep this pow wow alive."
He praised the elders for passing the torch to the leadership and to the community.
"We do our best to honour them and hold up their legacy. It is really about them. It's about healing and gathering in a good way."
Hearing children laughing and witnessing smiling faces is a bonus, he said as he looked out into the crowd.
"To see everyone visiting really fills our hearts."
Pow wow whip man Cecil Sheena said he was honoured to help out and be part of the event.
"I received this whip man stick a year ago at the competition pow wow," Sheena said. "Every chance I get to work to work at a pow wow I am honoured."
He thanked all the drummers who are participating throughout the weekend.
"That pow wow is not to go on without the drum and it's the spirit of the drums that carries our pow wow," Sheena said.
One of the groups, Nakoda Lodge, travelled from Morley, Alta about an hour west of Calgary to participate.
Arena director Daniel Wells hails from Mount Currie Lil'wat Nation.
"I grew up drumming and dancing my whole life and it's a great honour to be asked to come and help Cecil on the floor here," Wells said.
He thanked everyone in the community for welcoming him and his family and wished everyone a safe weekend.
"Get up and come shake a leg once in awhile," Wells said. "Don't just sit out in the crowd all the time. Everyone is welcome to come out and dance. It's a good feeling. There's good medicine out here on the floor."
Emceeing the weekend is Buck Sheena from Merritt.
His son, Ayden Sheena, is the Father's Day Junior Brave for the weekend, he said.
Dozens of vendors are on site selling various foods, arts and crafts.
One of the artisans, Janelle Alladina (Alphonse) owns Indigenize Creations.
She makes one-of-a-kind hats, doing burnt designs by freehand.
"I live in Vancouver, but am a member of Williams Lake First Nation," she said.
Dressed in regalia she is also participating as a dancer.
The pow wow continues Saturday and Sunday.
There will be a grand entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
Parking is free and there is also an ATM on site.
