The Aboriginal Cultural Village will continue to be one of the highlights of the Penticton Peach Festival, operating this year Aug. 9 and 10.
This year in the village, and on the Peach Festival main stage, will be the Dances with Lightning performance troupe featuring hoop dancer Gary Abbott and his sons Sebastian and Alexander. The trio have performed throughout Canada and the U.S. Abbott placed sixth at last year’s World Hoop Dancing Championships. They will also appear on the Peach Festival main stage in Okanagan Lake Park on Aug. 7 at 2:30 p.m. and Aug. 8 at 2:10 p.m.
Talented local performers at the village include Levi Bent and family, Russell Podgurny, Robyn Kruger and many more.
The free family event begins on Friday, Aug. 9 with the powwow. Performer registration begins at noon and the Grand Entry at 1 p.m. The powwow continues until 7:30 p.m. and returns on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday is the Honouring Our Women event, showcasing local talent as well as renowned Aboriginal performers.
Village spokesperson Barbara Jagodics said there will be several activities in the park including a children’s teepee storytelling venue as well as contests such as tiny tots dance, best bannock and everyone is invited to dance throughout the powwow.
The village is co-sponsored by the Penticton Indian Band, FortisBC, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, as well as local contributors Bank of Montreal, Greenwood Forest Products and TD Canada Trust.
