The First Nations University of Canada’s Spring Celebration Powwow is starting April 20 at the Brandt Centre. The Spring Celebration Powwow is in their 45th year and is the longest and largest running powwow in Saskatchewan.
The powwow is usually the first powwow of the season, in western Canada. It is a celebration of spring and sharing of Indigenous culture. The powwow attracts singers, dancers, vendors, and visitors from across Canada and the United States.
“Last year in 2023 we attracted nearly 8000 visitors with over 500 registered dancers and hosted 17 drum group,” said Cherish Jean-Baptiste, Co-chair of the powwow committee.
There will be many different specials and this year there will be a men’s 35 plus traditional special in honour of the late Tony Cote. Cote was a veteran, and he was very instrumental at the First Nations University of Canada. There will also be a two-spirit special that is spear headed by the Northern Campus. Along with the variety of dance specials, visitors will get to enjoy the singing contest that has a top prize of twelve thousand dollars. These contests draw in people from all areas of the country.
There will be a new Miss First Nations University Powwow Princess Crowned this year. The winner of the Princess pageant will be supported by the university while attending powwows and will also get a $1000 scholarship. The crowning of the Princess will take place on Saturday April 21.
“The powwow is a great way for Indigenous people to connect or reconnect with our culture, our language, our ceremonies, and our traditions but also for non-Indigenous people to come and learn more about our culture,” Jean-Baptiste said.
(Photo of the First Nations University of Canada 2018 Powwow. Credit Dan Jones.)