(Red Deer Native Friendship Society)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

canada observes

Waskasoo Seepee Powwow and more mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in Red Deer

Jun 20, 2023 | 5:19 PM

Wednesday, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and multiple events are happening in Red Deer this week to mark the occasion.

The first is on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Shining Mountains Living Community Services (4925 46 Street).

The itinerary is as follows:

• 10:00 Welcome and Prayer
• 10:15 Reading of the Declaration
• 10:25 Unveiling of Indigenous Monument
• 10:35 Rupertsland Presentation of Cart History
• 11:00 Community Gathering and BBQ Community tables for information and sale of handmade Indigenous merchandise

This event is held in partnership with the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Rupertsland Institute Métis Centre of Excellence, and the Hivernant Rendezvous of Big Valley, Alberta.

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Then, on June 24, be part of experiencing the 4th annual Waskasoo Seepee Traditional Powwow, taking place inside the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

That event starts with a grand entry at 12 p.m., and continues with a second grand entry at 6 p.m.

It is an event for everyone, organizers want to emphasize.

“This powwow will feature traditional drumming, dancers in full regalia, and cultural expression through dance. There will be numerous craft vendors and we’ll have food trucks on site. Parking is free and the venue is fully accessible,” explains Kelley Arnold, Nanâtawihowin Program Coordinator, Red Deer Native Friendship Society.

“Over four years, it has been an excellent experience bringing the powwow to the community to celebrate culture, tradition and kinship.”

The powwow’s organizing committee is ending a four-year term, she adds, meaning another Indigenous-led organization will need to step up to keep the event going.

“Our first powwow took place in the old Sheraton space (now the Red Deer Resort & Casino) in 2018 as part of a conference. It was small then, but has turned into an amazing thing on its own, with more people attending every year,” says Arnold.

“On the 23rd, we also have a youth day where 600 students from Red Deer Public and Red Deer Catholic school divisions will experience a demonstration of the powwow, and other presenters will be doing breakout rooms with them so they can learn more about Indigenous culture.”