Powwow result of community input and co-operation

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For the first time in some years, the Awasis Day Powwow at Prince Charles Elementary School in Edmonton was forced to conduct its annual powwow indoors due to wet grounds outside. While that put a damper on things happening outdoors, it did not dampen the spirits of the hundreds who again made the mini powwow a success.

The June 20 event was graced with the presence of two Ben Calf Robe School princesses. Princess Crystal Gladue was also a former Prince Charles student. The host drum group was River Cree and a number of Ben Calf Robe dancers also made an appearance.

The school's Native liaison worker, Darlene Olson, expressed her pleasure and gratitude for the extensive co-operation and help from all kinds of people. She thanked Misericordia Hospital staff and community people for helping with the food, and she thanked the parents who helped prepare the dancers and their outfits.

A new twist this year was the addition of team dancing, which involves three dancers working together as a unit.

A noticeable addition this year was a number of new dance outfits worn by several of the girls. Sharon Favel, a support staff member, is largely responsible for that. Along with Gary Gagnon and Delores Desjardin, they got a sewing circle of parents involved and wound up with 12 new outfits - nine jingle dresses and three fancy. Two were presented as gifts to the school. It was a project that resulted in a lot of pride, explained Favel. "Children were proudly telling me, 'Look what my mom made!'"