Picture a vast, open arena surrounded by spectators, with the rhythmic beat of drums reverberating through the air. Dancers, adorned in a dazzling array of regalia, move gracefully yet energetically to the drum’s pulse. Forming a circle to symbolize unity and the cyclical nature of life, students and Indigenous dancers move from traditional footwork to more contemporary styles in the intertribal dance, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of Indigenous culture on display during School District No.
8’s Youth Pow Wow. The SD8 Youth Pow Wow Planning Committee, also known as “The Circle of Aunties,” organized the first youth Pow Wow in 2010 for all district students, both Indigenous and their non-Indigenous allies. Since then, the annual free gathering supported by Columbia Basin Trust has been a valuable opportunity for everyone to learn and participate in Indigenous-led cultural activities.
Aunties Josie Fullarton and Noelle Lavallee were moved to see empty stands when students flocked to the dance floor during this year’s district-wide event, held May 17 at the Creston and District Community Complex. “All the students were dancing, doing the basic steps, which is a validation of the years of teaching Pow Wow protocol,” said Fullarton. “The committee has been working hard for many years so that students understand the importance of the protocols in the space of pow wow.
Seeing the respect they hold for the space was a beautiful affirmation.” Now in its 1.