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Two
First Nations communities in southwestern Alberta will stage
summer celebrations that showcase traditional Blackfoot culture.
The Blood Tribe will host its 40th annual Kainai Indian Days July
17-19 near Stand Off.
Then the Piikani Nation will hold its annual pow wow celebration
July 31 to August 2 at Brocket, on Highway 3 west of Fort Macleod.
Pow wows are traditional events in which First Nations people
invite people from other places into their community for a
celebration of culture and traditions. Kainai Indian Days attracts
hundreds of the top First Nations dancers on the Pow Wow Trail to
compete in a variety of dance categories.
A professional rodeo is also part of Kainai Indian Days, with
competition in timed and rough stock events.
Kainai Indian Days also features a midway with a variety of rides
and games. Another component of Kainai Indian Days is the
bestowing of honourary Blackfoot chieftanships on people whose
work has improved the lives of Blood Tribe members. Past
recipients include former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and
Premier Ed Stelmach.
The Piikani Nation celebration also features a traditional First
Nations dance competition, a youth rodeo and a Piikani senior and
junior princess competition.
Both First Nations communities welcome visitors to their pow wows. |
