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The Kamloopa Powwow is
a three-day annual event, in 2004 running July 31 to August 2..
This event attracts approximately 1,300 performers, competitors,
arts and crafts people, and more than 15,000 spectators throughout
the weekend.
Events range in age and category.
Some of the youngest performers, in the Tiny Tots category, are
under six. The competition dance categories range from age seven
to what is termed the "buckskin" category, fifty years
and over. Considering the highly athletic nature of Native dance
forms, even the buckskin dancers must be in great shape.
The Powwow started back in 1980;
the main objective was to rejuvenate Shuswap culture and traditions.
Since the powwow is a traditional ceremony, in respect to the
dancers, drummers, and their belongings, no drugs or alcohol
should be brought onto the powwow grounds.
Although the powwow was created
and continues to be organized by the Kamloops Indian Band, more
than thirty tribes will be represented from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan,
the Northern U.S. - Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and as
far away as Arizona. The Kamloopa Powwow will also be a mecca
for those who appreciate Native arts and crafts. Our powwow succeeds
from the hard work of the drummers, dancers, vendors, community
involvement, volunteers, and spectators.
The Kamloopa Powwow takes place
at the Special Events Facility, which will be filled, from morning
to midnight, with the sound of drums, song, applause, and laughter.
The Powwow Committee would like to add that the powwow is open
to the public. Bring your whole family! Tickets may be purchased
at the entrance to the grounds during powwow weekend.
The Kamloops Indian Band
is a community of Shuswap People who live at the junction of
the North and South Thompson Rivers. Presently there are 860
Band members living on the 33,500 acres that form the reserve
lands. The Band is active in the preservation of the Shuswap
culture through the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society and
the Kamloopa Powwow.
For more information contact:
Kamloops Indian Band, 406 - 345 Yellowhead Highway, Kamloops,
B.C. V2H 1H1 Phone (250) 828-9708 Fax (250) 314-1539
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