One of the biggest and most anticipated First Nations cultural events in the South Okanagan is only hours away as the Four Seasons Cultural Society (FCSC) is hosting its third annual Pow Wow Between the Lakes.
More than 150 First Nations dancers from across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Washington State are expected to participate and large crowds are expected to view the pageantry starting Friday evening at the Outma Sqilx’w Cultural School on the Penticton Indian Band (PIB), said organizer Kristine Jack.
Gates open for the event at 5 p.m. Friday and the “grand entrance” by all the dancers will begin at 7 p.m., said Jack.
The Pow Wow will feature a mix of First Nations dancers with decades of experience and youngsters who are just getting started in traditional dance, she said.
“We’ve got a lot of new dancers coming,” she said. “It will be a nice mix of young and old coming to our event.”
On Saturday, the grand entrance begins at 1 p.m. and festivities will continue until 7 p.m., while on Sunday the fun begins at 1 p.m. and continue until the event wraps up later Sunday afternoon.
Like all Pow Wows, this event focuses on promoting First Nations culture and dancing, but organizers have made sure to add numerous events to keep children busy and happy, she said.
“We’ve put a special focus on celebrating our children this year,” she said. “On Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., we have set up free bouncy castles, facepainting and several games for the children. That’s all free of charge for the kids.”
There has been solid support from PIB members and Penticton and area residents showing up to attend the event the first two years and she’s confident there will be good crowds once again this year, she said.
“I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed,” she said. “We’ve had good success the first two years and that’s why we’re here today getting ready for year three.”
Jack said she got involved in organizing this event out of respect and to honour her mother, Clara Jack, who helped organize cultural events and Pow Wows for the PIB for many years.
“My mother was part of the group that started this whole process of Pow Wow and dance in our community,” she said.
Her mother’s good friends Sophie Alec, Joe Pierre and Larry Pierre, also played an integral role in keeping First Nations culture alive and well on the PIB and served as role models for her growing up, she said.
Jack said events like this will ensure younger generations keep First Nations culture and native Pow wows alive for many years to come.
“I do this for the kids,” she said. “That’s why I’m here today. It’s all about our kids.”
Everyone is welcome to view the weekend’s events. Tickets are only $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass for adults, while children under age 10 get in for free.
For more on this year's event, click here
