Fundraising gala for national powwow in Edmonton

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A fundraising gala to kick off a national powwow in Edmonton entertained more than 200 people on May 1 at the Northlands Agricom in Edmonton. The money raised from the gala will be put toward the costs of the national powwow which will take place on May 28 to 30.

The entertainment for gala evening included comedian Don Burnstick, Asani, the Metis cultural dancers and the Red Bull singers. Gordon Tootoosis and Audrey Johnston, acted as masters of ceremonies. During the presentations at the gala evening, Irene Morin, represented Senator Thelma Chalifoux's office. The gala evening ended with a country dance to the music of Homer Poitras and his band.

Chief Eric Gadwa from Kehewin First Nation wanted to emphasis that the upcoming powwow is a positive way for Aboriginal people to promote their culture. The idea of a national powwow started with two Elders, the late Norbert Jeubeaux from Kehewin and Mel Paul, from the Paul First Nation, said Gadwa.

"The dream that these two Elders had was to get everyone together, to focus on the good things we are doing. It is important to show Canadian people and to educate them on the First Nation culture," said Gadwa.

The Canadian National Powwow Society organized the fundraising gala and the powwow in conjunction with the Confederacy of Treaty 6, the major contributor in the planning, and host of the powwow.

"We are hoping that there will be support coming in from Treaty 8 and Treaty 7, but it's got to start somewhere," said Dave Scott, executive director with Tribal Chiefs Ventures based in St. Paul.

Considering the timeframe the gala organizers had to work with, Scott felt the evening was successful. Scott said more support is always needed with this kind of an event.

The powwow will also be held at the Edmonton Northlands Agricom and the society is estimating the event will draw at least 80,000 people.

There will be 16 categories for male dancers and 13 categories for female dancers. The total amount of dance prize money available is about $58,000. Drum groups will compete for five places with the total prize sitting at $22,500. A hand game tournament will also take place with $10,000 up for grabs.

The powwow society feels the events at the agricom will be educational for the non-Native community as well as provide a gathering place for Aboriginal people.

"This powwow is the starter for the millennium powwow we want to organize in 2000. It is a tribute to the two Elders who initiated the idea of it in the 1970s," said Gadwa.