Witchekan Lake powwow successfully engages residents with their culture

According to Thomas, the powwow was created to encourage the community of Witchekan Lake to involve themselves in their culture. He said there are many problems associated with drugs, alcohol, and violence on the reserve. This led to discussions surrounding how to change the negative culture on the First Nation into a positive, more traditional one.

“I’m trying to instill community pride and bring people together to work as a community, and I’ve been successful at it. People have gone out to do things that they would normally not do… and there are people out now practising dancing and living the traditional life,” Thomas said.

The chief said the powwow has exceeded his expectations. More round dances and mini-powwows have taken place within Witchekan Lake, and community members are dancing or drumming in more powwows than ever before.

“We’re trying to get the parents involved in their kids’ activities, and a lot more people are getting involved than they ever were before,” Thomas said.

Dancers from across North America, from as far away as New Mexico, have made the journey to the small First Nation community to showcase their talents. In total, 263 dancers will dance to the beat of 10 different drum groups including the host drum, the Whitefish Jr’s, a world champion drum group hailing from Big River, Sask.

The Witchekan Lake powwow runs until Thursday, with grand entries at 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas

by Bryan Eneas

Witchekan Lake powwow successfully engages residents with their culture

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