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Lloydminster, AB/SK – May 12, 2022, marks the first annual Heart of Treaty 6 Reconciliation Interschool Powwow to be held in the City of Lloydminster.
This event will be held outdoors; however, due to space limitations, the Heart of Treat 6 Reconciliation Committee is sorry to announce that we cannot accommodate a larger powwow audience this year. We encourage people to watch via livestream if they can. The dancer component has been restricted to student dancers only and invited adult dancers. Grand Entry will start at 10 a.m. and the powwow itinerary will run throughout the day ending at 2 p.m.
In 1876 an assimilative policy known as the Indian Act disallowed Indigenous People the right to conduct cultural and spiritual ceremonies or wear any traditional forms of regalia used for ceremonial purposes to extinguish the Indigenous People of Canada. Although ceremonies were outlawed, many were held in secrecy as a way to preserve their existence.
One ceremonial gathering widely hosted throughout North America is known as the powwow. Like most First Nations ceremonies, powwows are a healing ceremony, but they are also a social gathering where non-Indigenous people can learn about Indigenous Peoples and their history through the art and storytelling of song and dance.
The largest powwows are usually hosted in First Nations communities during the summer months. They can attract thousands of people from across the world, showcasing traditional foods, Indigenous artisans, Indigenous royalty, drummers, singers, and dancers. Today, powwows continue to flourish as a result of Indigenous People’s continued resilience against colonialism and assimilation. The Interschool Powwow, with the help of their dancers and drummers, will remember and honour this resilience.
Without the help of local community organizations, this event would not be possible. Thank you to the following sponsors for your contribution: Onion Lake Cree Nation, Lloydminster and District Co-op, Turtleford and District Co-op, Synergy Credit Union, Lee Noble of Viro Rentals Inc., Lloydminster Catholic School Division, Randi Noble of Yellow Finch Images, Irma School, Lloydminster Public School Division, City of Lloydminster and Lloydminster Learning Educational Services.
Truth and Reconciliation, Call to Action (80)
“We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
Learn More
More information about the Heart of Treaty Six Reconciliation can be found at http://www.otc.ca/pages/reconciliation_saskatchewan.html
Distributed by the City of Lloydminster on behalf of the Heart of Treaty 6 Committee.
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