Photo: The First Nations University Spring Celebration Powwow in Regina April 18-19 / Photo By: Danielle Dufour
By Danielle Dufour
The First Nations University of Canada held their Spring Celebration Powwow in Regina this past weekend with many in attendance.
The event, sponsored by K & S Potash Canada and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, began with a Pipe Ceremony followed by three Grand Entries, dance competitions and a closing ceremony.
Photo of: Dason Scribe / Photo By: Danielle Dufour
Dason Scribe, a 24-year-old Nakota Cree from Cross Lake Band in Manitoba, travelled to the Powwow with his friend to compete in the Men’s Traditional Dance category.
“I have only been dancing for about five years,” said Scribe. “My grandpa, he passed away a couple years ago, and I inherited his bead work, and I took that opportunity to take it and started dancing and I never stopped since.”
The bead work on his regalia is the same age as Scribe. “It’s pretty flashy still.” Although Scribe is competing, he said, “I am not in it for the money, I am just here to enjoy myself.”
Photo of Warren Joseph Buffalocalf (on left) with other dancers. / Photo By: Danielle Dufour
Warren Joseph Buffalocalf, from the Nikiti First Nation has been dancing since he was eight years old.
“It’s been a long time since I came to the Regina Powwow,” said Buffalocalf. “I came to rip up the floor and show my type of style.”
His dance style is the old-style grass and contemporary Men’s First Nations Dancing.
Buffalocalf’s regalia consists of a harness, belt, scarf, and more.
“This is my uncle Brad’s outfit he gifted me three years ago,” said Buffalocalf.
His kohkom did all the beading on his regalia.
“It takes a lot of time and effort to be wearing this,” said Buffalocalf. “It’s more like a blessing than a hobby.”
Photo of: AJ Youngcalf and is son / Photo By: Danielle Dufour
AJ Youngcalf travelled from the Siksika Nation and brought his son to the Powwow to dance and compete together.
Youngcalf is 29-years-old and has been dancing since before he could walk.
“I am a Prairie Chicken dancer,” said Youngcalf. “That originated Siksika, where I am from.”
As his son watched him dancing, he told his dad that he wants to dance too.
“It’s his second go around now (in the Tiny Tots competition),” said Youngcalf.
Photo of: Kasey Frank / Photo By: Danielle Dufour
Kasey Frank is a member of the Little Pine First Nation and lives in Saskatoon.
She is a Women’s Traditional Senior dancer.
“I just started dancing again,” said Frank. “I was having health issues but I’m back.”
Her grandmother, Bernice Frank, taught her how to dance.
“It’s just very spiritual, powerful, a good way of life for my family, my kids,” said Frank. “Like sobriety, showing them sober alternatives with our culture.”
Frank is a mother and foster mom to five children, and she is teaching them the traditional dance.
Her teenage daughter was dancing with her at the powwow.
“My outfit was made from my late grandmother and my two aunties,” said Frank. “I got to make a little bit, my hair ties adding to it, so it’s like three generations.”