The Thomas-Dueck Powwow was a beautiful success as residents across the Cariboo congregated at Columneetza Jr. Secondary School on Jan. 26.
Drummers opened the ceremony, their voices echoing loudly throughout the gym. In attendance were city delegates, members from School District 27, students from across the Cariboo — as far as Lac La Hache — and members of the public.
This is the fourth time the Thomas-Dueck Powwow has occurred. It was organized by Indigenous support worker George Fraser, who has worked at Columneetza for 12 years.
The powwow featured prayers, drumming and dancing, and those watching were invited to join in the dancing.
“This afternoon, we saw the bleachers empty out, and all the kids from visiting schools and our school partake in the inter-tribal dancing, which was great,” said Fraser.
The Thomas-Dueck Powwow came together after a former student, Casey Thomas, and her teacher, Vic Dueck, approached Fraser about having a powwow in the school. Thomas was working on a social studies project on powwows.
The emcee was Colin Stonechild from Saskatchewan, who now lives in Kamloops. The drumming groups were Northern Tribez, with Melem-st’ye White as the floor director, and Quanta Mountain Drum Group, with floor director Brent Edgar. Indigenous Role Models Sky Johnson and Tyson Michel were in attendance as well as Tanisha Terry, princess from St’uxwtéws.
Chief Willie Sellars danced and welcomed everyone to the powwow; David Archie sang and drummed a welcoming song; and Amy Sandy said the opening prayer. Some dancers included William Lulua, Danikka Murphy, Dancing Water Sandy, Valerie West, Lennard Supernault, Francis Robbins, Cecil Sheen, Dallas George and many others, including from the audience.
“It’s a good way to have inclusion with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to see a cultural piece that a lot of people don’t actually get to partake in in an everyday situation,” said Fraser, noting it also highlighted and showcased Columneetza students that participate in powwow, giving them a chance to shine.
READ MORE: Thomas-Dueck Powwow happening all day Friday
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