A new time and place set for the SIFC powwow

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The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) is celebrating its 24th annual powwow on Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21 at the SIFC building site on the University of Regina campus.

What started off as a small gathering in a University of Regina cafeteria has grown to be one of the largest powwows in Saskatchewan. Last year the SIFC powwow attracted more than 800 dancers, 30 drum groups and 5,000 spectators.

However, this year there are going to be a few changes.

First, the dates have been changed from the traditional April date to the new June date to coincide with National Aboriginal Day. As well, the powwow will be held on the grounds beside the new SIFC building currently under construction. It's because of these changes that the Elders requested the powwow be a traditional powwow this year.

What is a traditional powwow?

All powwows have contemporary and traditional elements; however, traditional powwows are held without the big cash prizes of the competitive powwows.

Competition powwows feature a variety of dance categories for both the men and women, and they are often paid large amounts of prize money for first, second and third place.

Because of the large cash prizes, competitive powwows usually attract more participants and spectators.

"By going back to a traditional powwow this year, we are intentionally limiting the numbers of spectators, dancers, and drum groups," said Wes Stevenson, SIFC vice president and honorary chairperson of SIFC powwow. "That's a good thing as this venue could not support the number of people we have attracted in the past. We are going back to the basics.

Sometimes there is hesitation among non-Aboriginal people about attending powwows, but organizers of the SIFC powwow are hoping everyone will come out for the event.

"We are providing a bridge into the immediate community and making it an educational event. We want to make sure the public is aware the SIFC powwow is for everyone and that we invite our community to come participate and observe," Stevenson said.

Grand entry will take place at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both days of the powwow.