Students to be immersed in Indigenous culture at upcoming Powwow

More than 200 students from Grades 6 - 12 as well as staff from Red Deer Public Schools will take part in an Indigenous-culture rich day later this week at the third annual International Powwow.

Red Deer Public Schools is sponsoring the Youth Day, which will take place October 13 at the Centrium, with the grand entry taking place at 7 p.m. The Powwow continues through the weekend with grand entries beginning at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

“We are excited to welcome our students and staff to this great event, where they will have an opportunity to learn about and be immersed in Indigenous culture. Students will also participate in a Trades Fair and several breakout stations including Tipi Teachings, Elder Stories, and Cree language lessons,” said Hayley Christen, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Coordinator with Learning Services. “Red Deer Public is also providing 1,000 weekend passes to Indigenous students and families in Red Deer Public Schools to ensure they have an opportunity to attend this amazing community event!”

Events throughout the day will include a grand entry, a number of dancing and singing performances, drumming, and more

“The Youth Day is an excellent opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to learn about many aspects of Indigenous culture, and to celebrate the vibrancy and resiliency of Indigenous people,” said Christen. “We spend a lot of time in schools teaching about Indian residential schools and its negative impact. It is equally as important to teach students about the strength, beauty, and living culture of Indigenous peoples.”

For more information, visit www.pwtpowwow.com. Admission is $15 a day, with weekend passes available for $35.