Local powwow “a world class” event bringing worldwide interest

A massive celebration will be held this Thanksgiving weekend at the Art Hauser Centre. 

The 16th annual Northern Lights Casino Powwow will be sure to bring in another huge crowd as world class dancers, singers and drum groups perform and compete, according Richard Ahenakew, the powwow’s president.

About 3,000 people came through the doors each day last year to enjoy the event, Ahenakew said.

“In the past 16 years, we’ve seen such a change in the number of people coming through the door.  We’ve even had visitors come as far away as Africa, Europe, and South America. We have dancers that show up from United States, BC, Alberta, and Ontario,” he said.

The powwow started when the casino was looking to celebrate the success they were having in the community and the employment generated for First Nations people.  

Development incentives

City looks to sweeten the deal with developers, sell more $1 lots

10m ago

Court proceedings

Guilty pleas entered by man involved in robbery of young volleyball player

1h ago

Helping hand

Royal Purple Elks mark Speech and Hearing Month with donation to Princess Margaret School

2h ago

“We thought this is a good, clean, fun event, a good bridging event for both First Nations and non-First Nations people and it started with a dream,” Ahenakew said.

Along with the performances, various vendors will be set up throughout the weekend.  Ahenakew said he’s happy with the amount of work done leading up to the event.

“We’ve got such a good powwow committee and they care so much about the celebration that they work hard,” he said.

Ahenakew said their main goal this weekend is to have fun and celebrate not only the success they have had at the casino but the community in Prince Albert as well.

“We have an incredible run going and we really appreciate everything that everybody’s done for us, whether it’s volunteers, whether it’s sponsors, or whether it’s just people in the community coming by to say ‘hi’ and making our visitors feel welcome,” he said.  

The powwow is completely free and anyone can attend.  Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Ahenakew is hoping for another successful weekend.  

“[It’s] a good place to come and meet old friends, a good place to meet new friends and walk away with some incredible memories,” he said. 

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow