Princeton’s three-day powwow is kicking off on Friday at Princeton Secondary School, but activities for the Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival have already begun.
The second annual event is a partnership between the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and Princeton Community Arts Council.
Today to April 14
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday:
Princeton Museum hosts The History of the Pow Wow exhibition.
Regalia from local First Nation artists Oly Bent and Tiinesha Begaye will be on display, as well as children’s regalia.
The exhibition looks at the tradition surrounding powwows. Entry by donation.
Friday, April 6
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: The powwow begins with a Grand Entry at 7 p.m.
Drum groups will play as dancers from all over B.C. and beyond compete for specials in Men’s Traditional, Women’s Traditional, Men’s Grass, Women’s Jingle, Team Boys Combined and Team Girls Combined.
All powwow performances are free to attend.
Saturday, April 7
1 p.m. to 11 p.m.: The powwow’s second Grand Entry takes place at 1 p.m. with dancers from throughout North America.
The dancing competition continues during this day.
The evening Grand Entry is slated for 7 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Kids can take part in an arts-and-crafts workshop.
Local First Nations artists will also display their work in an all-day exhibit, and arts-and-craft vendors will be on site.
First Nations food will be served at the concession all day.
Sunday, April 8
1 p.m.: The last Grand Entry for this year’s powwow.
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: The second day of the children’s arts-and-crafts workshop.
The second day of the First Nations art exhibit will run all day, along with arts-and-craft vendor displays.
Dancing competitions come to a close.
Sunday, April 15
3 p.m.: For the close of the Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival, Tiinesha Begaye will be performing at the Riverside Centre.
Tiinesha, whose heritage is Navajo and Similkameen, sings a blend of Canadian-style hand drumming with elements of Diné social singing and presents songs that capture the excitement and energy of native youth today.
Tickets will be available at the door for $5 each.
