By Stephanie Froese

A Thanksgiving powwow in Prince Albert.

Oct 12, 2010 | 6:16 PM

Prince Albert was a little busier this weekend.
 The increased hustle and bustle of the city was due to more than just people coming home for Thanksgiving.
This weekend was the 12th Annual Northern Light's Casino Thanksgiving Powwow held at the Art Hauser Centre.
Richard Ahenakew, general manager of the Northern Lights Casino and chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, said it’s one of the bigger ones in the country.
“We started this many, many years ago as a bridging effort between First Nations and Non-First Nations together in a positive aspect in Prince Albert to try to promote some unity… and find a way to walk on the road together towards the common goal of making P. A. a better place for our children.”
Ahenakew warned against the misconception that this powwow is exclusive to the Prince Albert area. He said it is considered an international celebration that has attracted people from as far away as Germany and Israel.
Before the final powwow on Sunday there were already more than 500 dancers registered and about 100 more were still expected to join.
“Even right up to (the) Grand Entry people will… keep registering,” said Ahenakew
Ahenakew explained that it’s no coincidence the powwow is on Thanksgiving weekend. One is that it is a perfect time to say thank you to the dancers, elders and veterans.
Ahenakew estimates about half of the funding for the event comes from the generosity of local and provincial businesses.

sfroese@rawlco.com