The Pow Wow Between the Lakes not only met expectations for organizers, but it also exceeded them.
More than 140 dancers from not just B.C. but across Canada and the United States, multiple drum groups including four for the competition, and over 100 volunteers helped put together a spectacular event starting on June 23 and ending on June 25.
91ƵWe91Ƶre over the moon with the people that came, that wanted to be a part of it,91Ƶ said Kristine Jack, one of the head organizers with the Four Season Cultural Society. 91ƵI91Ƶm speechless. I was so emotional after it was over, I dreamed big, but I never dreamed it would be this big.91Ƶ
Over the weekend, and after it, messages flooded in with praise for the event. Not just from attendees, but from the dancers, vendors and drummers. Everyone loved the event, and there was nothing but thanks to those who put it on.
91ƵIt was an incredible weekend. Hearing all the feedback, it really validated all the hard work that went into it,91Ƶ said Haley Regan, the volunteer coordinator for the Pow Wow. 91ƵI think the number one compliment we got was that this was the most well-organized powwow anyone had ever been to.91Ƶ
Along with the many highlights of the dances and drum competitions, there were several special events, including a wedding between the Head Man and Head Woman of the powwow, and the Overdose Awareness round-dance. The dance saw the seats of the SOEC empty as the floor filled with enough people for three circles.
It was an emotional moment, and the host Southern Express drum group shared a second song to keep the moment going.
91ƵI really want people who weren91Ƶt able to attend to see the effect of that dance, so they can feel the love and that medicine spread out, to let people know that we love and support them and that we91Ƶre honouring them in this good way,91Ƶ said Regan.
The special dance will be a likely returning highlight in 2024 as well, as the issue touches so many in the community. And with the powwow wrapped up for the year, the Four Season Cultural Society is already looking ahead to 2024.
91ƵNow that we have figured out what works and what doesn91Ƶt at the SOEC, we have a template we can take into next year,91Ƶ said Regan.
On top of what has already been proven to work, more ways to get the community involved and expand the powwow are being discussed. Jack said that they are planning to bring in the salmon feast, canoe racing, and educational interactive experiences that the youth can engage with at the powwow.
Jack is also working on several grants that she hopes will expand the reach of the event, once she hears back from the city and mayor, which will allow the society to make the first day of the powwow a free event.
91ƵYou heard it hear first,91Ƶ said Jack. 91ƵNational Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024. Pow Wow Between the Lakes at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
91ƵWe91Ƶll see you all there.91Ƶ