MUSCOWPETUNG SAULTEAUX NATION — Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation will welcome dancers, singers and visitors from across the Prairies for its annual Traditional Powwow from Aug. 18 to 20.
The three-day celebration features a $25,000 singing contest, dance competitions across multiple age categories and a series of family-sponsored specials highlighting cultural achievements, community milestones and emerging dancers.
Grand entries are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday. A pipe ceremony will open each day of the event.
The powwow program includes competitions for tiny tots, juniors, teens, adults and golden age dancers, along with a number of special events. Featured specials include an outgoing princess special in the junior girls fancy category sponsored by the Anaquod family, a men's grass dance men's grass dance special sponsored by Benjamin Anaquod and a junior boys fancy initiation special sponsored by Amanda Okeeweehow.
Additional specials include a junior girls jingle initiation special sponsored by Creelyn Stonechild, a tri-nation special sponsored by Piapot, Pasqua and Muscowpetung and a teen boys grass special sponsored by Brailyn Lonethunder and family.
Community feasts are planned on Tuesday and Wednesday, including a Wednesday evening feed sponsored by the Tiffiny Cyr family in honour of former chief Lindsay Cyr.
An Indian auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, ahead of the final grand entry.
Sanford Strongarm and Angelo Wasteste will serve as announcers, while Wasteste Sound will provide audio services. Arena directors are Preston Littletent, Joel Anaquod and Darcey Anaquod.
The annual gathering remains one of the First Nation's largest cultural events, drawing participants from across Saskatchewan and neighbouring provinces.
