FNUniv annual powwow celebration draws huge crowd

Darcie Arkinson wanted to make sure he was at the powwow with his family, especially since it’s not every day he does what other members of his family do and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Arkinson took turns with cousins from across the province dancing with other First Nations people at the Brandt Centre during the recent First Nations University of Canada’s Powwow.

“Being a First Nations person is important to me. My culture, this is what it’s all about,” said Arkinson, who is 22-years-old.

Originally from the Ahtahkakoop First Nation, Arkinson now lives in Regina. He admits that he doesn’t always take time to pay homage to his culture.

“It’s different for me than it was for my parents. They were always going to events like this. I never do anymore,” he said. “It’s not like that I forget I am a First Nations, but it’s important that I come here when I have the opportunity…I come to something like this and I feel good again for awhile.”

The event, which was held on March 26 & 27, featured hundreds of dancers, drummers, singers and other performers from across the Prairies, as well as some from the United States. It’s billed as one of this city’s biggest tourist attractions every year. Organizers say the event can be responsible for drawing as many as 7,000 people to Regina each time.

It also attracts drumming groups from all over, including High Noon, North Buffalo, Northern Cree, Whitefish, Blackstone, Poundmaker, Stoney Park and Walking Buffalo.

Since it began in 1978, the powwow has been held annually to celebrate cultural diversity, unify families and communities, and demonstrate First Nations traditions through a wide variety of song and dance styles.

While there were fears this powwow would be the last because of the current funding crisis at the university, as well as the allegation of mismanagement among university leaders, most people were too caught up in the festivities to dwell on the negative.

Denise Agecoutay’s dance outfit was covered with rainbow-coloured beads and feathers — the ensemble, which looked similar to one worn by her mother, took years to make, she said, adding that it technically isn’t done.

“We started it about five years ago, and it gets bigger every time I pull it out,” said Agecoutay, 22. “I’m very proud of this. I was always a good beader. Things get pretty complicated but I am always proud when it’s done. “Next year, I might change this black beads and make longer strands. That’s my plan anyway,” she said.

For the MacIntyre family from Regina — John, Clarice and their daughter Emma, 8 — the powwow was the perfect way for them to learn a little about Aboriginal culture. They admit they know little, and a lot of what they do know is negative.

“I love the idea we can show our daughter this positive thing. There’s so much history here,” says Clarice.
“Sometimes in the news, there are stories about missing women or other crime stories in the paper. But we know the Native culture is about positive things, cool things. And we wanted to make sure Emma was introduced to this,” she added.