Monday
Jul 07, 2014
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Canada Day Pow Wow enjoyed by thousands of participants
CALGARY - The Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre at Bow Valley College and the City of Calgary partnered to deliver a traditional Pow Wow that was enjoyed by thousands of people at Prince's Island Park on Canada Day.
Elder Clarence Wolf Leg gave the morning blessing, MC Jason Goodstriker led the festivities, and the Arena Director was Lowell Yellowhorn. On the main stage there was a dance performance by Metis Entertainer Bev Lambert, who is well-known for her jigging, and there was a special hoop dance performance by Sandra Yellowhorn.
The Grand Entry for the Traditional Pow Wow took place at 1 p.m. Lowell Yellowhorn guided the processional, followed by the flag bearers, Elder Clarence Wolf Leg, Chris Strangling Wolf, dignitaries from the Treaty Seven area, our College colleagues, and other external dignitaries.
Over 190 dancers participated in the celebrations, accompanied by the talented drummers on stage. The crowd gathered around to watch the dancer's performances, and enjoyed experiencing a proud part of our Canadian heritage.
Around Prince's Island several activities took place to showcase Aboriginal culture through storytelling, music, art, song, and dance, including:
- Siksika Traditional Games by Jason Plain Eagle
- Elders in the Aboriginal Ways of Knowing tipi
- Aboriginal language lessons
- Aboriginal dance lessons
- Artisan's market featuring traditional and contemporary art
The Canada Day Pow Wow drew thousands of people towards a better understanding of Aboriginal culture, and the services available to the College's Aboriginal learners at the Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre. We look forward to the possibility of delivering a similar event on future Canada Days.
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Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 14,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals and employment services provide a wide range of services for businesses and professionals.
