ANNUAL POWWOW HELD — Veteran Edward Baldhead, director of education for Saskatoon Public Schools George Rathwell, and Pleasant Hill Community School principal Kevin Epp carry the three eagle staffs into the gymnasium of E.D. Feehan Catholic High School at the sixth annual Saskatoon West Inter-Tribal Powwow May 26. (Photo by Andréa Ledding)

Annual powwow moves indoors for competitions, prayers

By Andréa Ledding

SASKATOON — The sixth annual Saskatoon West Inter-Tribal Powwow was held May 26, despite inclement weather. Moving inside the gymnasium of E.D. Feehan Catholic High School to get out of the rain, hundreds of students from Saskatoon’s west side schools watched as dozens of others participated in the Grand Entry and various dance competitions held throughout the day.

Faculty representatives from two school boards and many community members formed the Colour Party. The three eagle staffs were carried by veteran Edward Baldhead, director of education for Saskatoon Public Schools George Rathwell, and Pleasant Hill Community School principal Kevin Epp.

The award-winning Red Bull drummers led the Grand Entry, and close to a dozen drumming groups participated, as did more than 300 dancers. The afternoon included a special focus on Métis fiddling and jigging in honour of 2010 being declared Year of the Métis.

The powwow opened with a prayer by a Dakota elder, who spoke first in his own language and then in English, welcoming everyone and praying for a good day and harmonious relations for everyone gathered. Then the gathering was invited to pray in their own way while he prayed in his language.

Powwow announcer Donny Speidel made special mention of the veterans and the elders and other dignitaries present, including representatives from the Saskatoon City Police.

“We celebrate, with pride, a gathering of the people that has been held for many hundreds of years,” noted Speidel. “We invite all people to walk together in harmonious relations and good ways, and to honour the spirit of the powwow all year round.”

The annual event alternates between E.D. Feehan and Mount Royal high schools, and is usually held outdoors.