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| The beautiful Kamloopa Pow Wow facility |
In Kamloops, we're lucky to have a rich First Nations heritage. This past weekend, Carol and I went into town to attend the 35th Annual Kamloopa Pow Wow. Just across the bridge from our office, the First Nations peoples have a wonderful facility available that was designed to host a large
Pow Wow, or meeting of the tribes. Attendees travel from as far east as Manitoba, south from the USA and all parts of BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The 3 day event is hosted annually here and is a spectacular display of colour and traditional native dress. The Pow Wow centre is a beautiful wooden structure, circular in shape, with an open centre and covered seating all around the perimeter. On the outside of the center, artisans set up temporary shops where visitors can purchase everything from t-shirts, to jewellery,
After a drum roll call, where groups of drummers from each attending band beat a rhythmic tempo accompanied by singing and chanting, the Grand Entry sees all the flags and standards enter the circle. These are followed by the chiefs and dignitaries and then by representatives from every band, all dressed in traditional outfits with everyone dancing to the rhythmic drumming. The scene is awash with swirling colours and textures while the centre ring fills with more and more dancers. I don't remember seeing anything like it before. Spectacular is a word that comes to mind! It made such and impression that I had to post some pictures and tell you about. If you are in or near Kamloops on the BC Day long weekend, make sure you plan on attending. You won't be disappointed!
In Kamloops, we're lucky to have a rich First Nations heritage. This past weekend, Carol and I went into town to attend the 35th Annual Kamloopa Pow Wow. Just across the bridge from our office, the First Nations peoples have a wonderful facility available that was designed to host a large Pow Wow, or meeting of the tribes. Attendees travel from as far east as Manitoba, south from the USA and all parts of BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The 3 day event is hosted annually here and is a spectacular display of colour and traditional native dress. The Pow Wow centre is a beautiful wooden structure, circular in shape, with an open centre and covered seating all around the perimeter. On the outside of the center, artisans set up temporary shops where visitors can purchase everything from t-shirts, to jewellery, 
After a drum roll call, where groups of drummers from each attending band beat a rhythmic tempo accompanied by singing and chanting, the Grand Entry sees all the flags and standards enter the circle. These are followed by the chiefs and dignitaries and then by representatives from every band, all dressed in traditional outfits with everyone dancing to the rhythmic drumming. The scene is awash with swirling colours and textures while the centre ring fills with more and more dancers. I don't remember seeing anything like it before. Spectacular is a word that comes to mind! It made such and impression that I had to post some pictures and tell you about. If you are in or near Kamloops on the BC Day long weekend, make sure you plan on attending. You won't be disappointed!
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