Old time fun

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It was a good way to commemorate the opening of a new century.

With more than 5,000 in attendance at the 35th Thunderchild powwow, reserve members had reason to celebrate.

This year's powwow theme 'Promoting Healthy Lifestyles' packed a punch and a sent out powerful message.

The Thunderchild health and powwow committees set out to promote traditional culture in healthy, positive setting.

An impressive, well-organized powwow was the result.

Unlike some reserves, Thunderchild has not clear-cut the forest around the powwow grounds, providing shade and a good windbreak.

A pump well supplied clean drinking water and firewood was stacked in the campgrounds to encourage traditional cooking. Littering was kept well in check.

With a view to keeping the grounds clean, garbage cans were strategically placed around the arbor, concession booths and campgrounds.

Concession booths were given strict guidelines to promote good hygiene and stop communicable disease.

To avoid the eyesore, stench and expense of chemical sanitation facilities, ingenious outdoor plumbing was built, which could be easily moved, filled in and planted over with trees each year.

A large crew of enterprising youth earned pocket money picking up pop cans and litter in bags provided by the committees.

Information on healthy lifestyles was promoted in the programs and emergency medical care delivered in a special lodge in the tipi village. Security kept a tight rein on youth, providing baseball games and a strict curfew.

Thunderchild powwow has become a favorite among dancers who enjoy peaceful surroundings, an open-air arbor with well-manicured grass and the real flavor of an old time Cree celebration.