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Summer powwow heating up

The second annual summer powwow is in full swing
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Vernon’s William Robins performs the grass dance. Mark Brett/Western News

The sounds of drumming and singing filled the air on the grounds of Outma Sqilx’w Cultural School the last two days but the best sounds of all were the children’s laughter.

The second annual Four Seasons Cultural Society summer powwow started Friday night and will continue through until Sunday afternoon.

READ MORE: Celebration of Past and Present

Unlike last year, this time around the dance competitions and drumming took place on the outdoor stage under the sunshine and a few clouds.

Everybody is just so happy to have this powwow revised again it’s such an awesome feeling for our community to be hosting this, people are coming from all over it’s so good this year it’s outside,” said organizer Kristine Jack of the Penticton Indian Band who began the tradition again in memory of her mother the late Clara Jack.

Saturday’s first grand entry took place just after 1:30 p.m. with a second scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening following a celebration with a free feast.

And while in part the powwow is revisiting history, Jack believes it is also a look ahead to the future.

“I’m so glad the kids are a part it it’s so important for our culture and our language to continue to grow more and more and everybody actually feeling that connection to it,” she said. “We had a group of children this winter who made their regalia and their so proud out there, I’m proud that they took the time and learned to make their regalia.

“Their smiles are ear to ear and it’s just so beautiful to see they can be a part of it now. It’s just beautiful, so beautiful.”

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A young dancer waits his turn on the field. Mark Brett/Western News
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Chris Wells of Mount Currie in his traditional clothing prepares for the dance competition. Mark Brett/Western News