Jun. 19, 2017
The 3rd Annual Calgary Board of Education Traditional Pow Wow was held on May 5, 2017 at Crescent Heights High School. The event, guided by Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, was a community celebration of success for all students in the spirit of reconciliation.
The Pow Wow has continued to grow from its inception; this year upwards of 1300 community members, CBE leaders, staff, students and 12 drum groups joined in the celebration. Mrs. Universe, Ashley Callingbull from Enoch Cree Nation made a special appearance. Master of Ceremonies, Hal Eagletail entertained the crowd with humour and stories, creating a spirited and lively atmosphere.
The CBE Indigenous Education Team was supported by a strong network of community partners including, YMCA Calgary, Pathways and USAY. The Pow Wow was made possible by a generous grant from the Calgary Foundation and our gracious host, Crescent Heights High School.
Leading up to the Pow Wow, students in Grades 6 to 9 from across the CBE had the opportunity to attend the first Pow Wow Workshop at the Aboriginal Learning Centre. This was an amazing experience for students who learned from Elder Reg Crowshoe, Turning Robe Drummers, and youth mentor Pow Wow dancers about the cultural significance, and importance of drumming and dancing at Pow Wow. The two half-day workshops culminated with a traditional Round Dance for the more than 250 participants. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences within their school communities to inspire continued learning through Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
