The first story that I'm working on for our latest edition of Ink is about the Treaty 4 Powwow that took place this weekend on the Star Blanket Cree Nation about an hour outside of Regina. It's an annual powwow and I think it's also usually the last outdoor powwow of the year before everyone has to head indoors for the cold weather.
This year, the organizing committee contemplated cancelling the powwow because of safety concerns related to gang violence but then changed their minds after pressure from community members and elders who wanted to see the event move forward. Initially, they were going to compromise and just have a one-day event on Saturday but after one of the suspected gang members was apprehended by police on Thursday, the committee was able to raise enough funds to extend the powwow to a full two-day event.
I haven't heard the full story yet of how the powwow went yet, but regardless of whether or not there was violence, the community was able to take a really negative situation and turn it into something positive. The Treaty 4 territory coming together to support eachother and host an event that they feel is important sends the message that they refuse to bow down to violence. The people I spoke to were very passionate about the need to keep traditional cultural events going strong while also making sure people are safe. I think all of those involved in planning the powwow showed great care for their community members' safety and handled a difficult situation with a lot of courage and hard work. Can't wait to get an update on how it all went!
This year, the organizing committee contemplated cancelling the powwow because of safety concerns related to gang violence but then changed their minds after pressure from community members and elders who wanted to see the event move forward. Initially, they were going to compromise and just have a one-day event on Saturday but after one of the suspected gang members was apprehended by police on Thursday, the committee was able to raise enough funds to extend the powwow to a full two-day event.
I haven't heard the full story yet of how the powwow went yet, but regardless of whether or not there was violence, the community was able to take a really negative situation and turn it into something positive. The Treaty 4 territory coming together to support eachother and host an event that they feel is important sends the message that they refuse to bow down to violence. The people I spoke to were very passionate about the need to keep traditional cultural events going strong while also making sure people are safe. I think all of those involved in planning the powwow showed great care for their community members' safety and handled a difficult situation with a lot of courage and hard work. Can't wait to get an update on how it all went!
UPDATE: The powwow went well and there were no reports of any gang violence or fighting. I spoke to several people who attended and all were impressed with how well the event went. Police, volunteers and security all made their presence known and as far as I know, everyone seemed pretty pleased with the two-day event. Since then, all six of the Regina jail escapees have been found and arrested.
To view my complete story, check out the first edition of Ink or visit our website:
Check out the Treaty 4 powwow video in the Videobar for footage from last year's grand entry!
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