Feathers will be flying and beads will be shaking at the traditional powwow this weekend at Alexander First Nation.
“Everyone will be dancing from the very young to the very old and many of the dancers will have new costumes for the jingle-dress dance, the fancy dance and of course there are traditional buckskin costumes too,” said Jeannette Newborn, who helped organize the event.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch the performances and also to take part.
The first event is the Round Dance that begins on Canada Day at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Community Hall.
“This is the dance where everyone takes part. Whoever feels like it! And it’s great to see the costumes. If you come, expect to dance,” said Newborn.
Four grand entry parades are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday with times set for both days at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Alexander powwow has been held every summer for more than 30 years, Newborn said.
“Last year we had dancers from Australia and New Zealand. This year there will be drummers from Guatemala and the Caribbean,” she said.
Vendors will be on hand selling native food as well as arts and crafts.
When asked to describe the mood and the colour of this celebration, Newborn used just one word, “Happiness!”
“Happiness is what you will feel and see. You’ve got to experience it to believe it,” she said.
Alexander First Nation is located on secondary highway 642, west of Morinville. Bring your own lawn chair and join the fun.
