The Thomas-Dueck powwow is returning this Friday, Jan. 31 at Williams Lake’s Columneetza Junior Secondary school.
The event, inspired by a past student’s passion for powwows, is open to the public and will run from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in Columneetza’s gym on Western Avenue.
Beginning with a grand opening and a territorial welcome by WLFN Kukpi7 (chief) Willie Sellars, the powwow will feature several dance categories including Tiny Tots, Golden Age and Intertribal dancing, with drumming by Kwatna Mountain and Northern Tribez.
“It’s taken on a life of its own,” said George Fraser, an Indigenous support worker for the school.
The Thomas-Dueck powwow began nine years ago when former student Casey Thomas and her teacher Vic Dueck approached Fraser about hosting a powwow at their school. What started out small grew into a recurring event which at one time hosted up to 1,500 students.
“It’s a chance for students to showcase their talents,” said Fraser, adding it’s also an opportunity to normalize powwows for students who may not have experienced or participated in one.
Fraser said he’s often seen students who start off shy of dancing in front of the school and suddenly break from their shell as everyone comes together to dance.
There will also be booths to help connect students and the community with services available to them, and the Tŝilhqot'in National Government will be running a rattle-making workshop.
Fraser extended a big thank you to the school district’s First Nations Education Council who provided the funding to host the powwow.
Guests should arrive before 9 a.m. to be seated before the Grand Entry and are directed to park their vehicles in the parent parking location, on the left side of the school.
There will be cash concessions available, and a lunch break from 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
