(Powwow Times)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

powwow times

Upcoming International Powwow in Red Deer is all about giving

Oct 7, 2023 | 1:48 PM

The third annual Powwow Times International Powwow is expected to be better than ever this year, and it all goes down Oct. 13-15 at the Centrium in Red Deer.

Friday is a youth day, which school classes attending, though the public is welcome. There will be a trades fair for students to peruse, and then a grand entry is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, grand entries will begin at 1 p.m.

Patrick Mitsuing of Powwow Times says as always, the powwow, which draws thousands of people each year, is about showcasing Indigenous culture and the highest level, including through song and dance; and it’s also about showcasing Red Deer as a city.

The talent on display will be world class, he says, and everyone from any walk of life is encouraged to come out.

“We are constantly educating throughout this event,” says Mitsuing, who’s helped put together a powwow 101 video for anyone who’s never attended a powwow before.

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You can find that video HERE.

Mitsuing has travelled the world this year promoting Indigenous tourism in Alberta, with stops in Japan and France, not to mention performing at Super Bowl festivities in the U.S.

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One thing he hopes people will understand about powwow happening in 2023 is that it’s something which was outlawed many decades ago, as well that it isn’t about taking or profits.

“When the Europeans and first settlers were observing us, it was strange to them how our form of wealth was about how much we could give, rather than accumulate. The more you can give, the more blessings you will receive, that is our belief. So they banned our potlucks where we’d give away food and other items, they banned our sundance, our powwows, our ceremonies; things we did to give and heal, because giving is also part of healing for us,” he says.

“When that was taken away, that led to residential schools coming in because they wanted us to be more civilized. This set the ways we had to govern ourselves, and we became more self-centred persons, not caring about giving.”

Mitsuing says many Indigenous people are slowly but steadily getting back to the art of giving.

“We raise funds through this powwow and give it all away. There are no profits here. We give it back to community, to dancers, singers, we pay the venue costs of course, but there’s also the hiring of people for the event, and then there’s the economic spinoff,” he says.

Last year, the spinoff for Red Deer was $3.5 million, according to Mitsuing.

Tickets are $35 for a weekend pass, and $15 for a day pass. Those seven and under, or 55 and over can get a weekend pass for $5.

“You do not have to be Indigenous to come to this,” Mitsuing stresses, again emphasizing the powwow 101 video.

More information and tickets are available at powwowtimes.com. Tickets are also available at the door.

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