Powwow dancing workshop in Hope draws 84 people

Eighty-four people attended a Fraser‑Cascade Cultural Nights powwow dancing workshop at Shxwelís te Ts'qó:ls — Spirit of Hope Secondary School on Jan. 28, where participants learned about drumming circles and powwow dance styles and the evening included dinner and door prizes.

Eighty-four people attended a powwow dancing workshop at Shxwelís te Ts'qó:ls — Spirit of Hope Secondary School on Jan. 28. The session was part of the Fraser‑Cascade Indigenous Education department's Cultural Nights series. Organizers described the evening as a safe and welcoming space for learning about drumming circles, powwows and dance styles. Dinner and door prizes were provided. Event details: - Date and place: Jan. 28 at Shxwelís te Ts'qó:ls — Spirit of Hope Secondary School common room. - Attendance: 84 people, the largest turnout since the workshops began. - Activities: instruction on drumming circles and powwow dance styles; dinner and door prizes were included. - Facilitators and music: professional powwow dancers Brea Tso and Charlie Michell led the workshop, and Shadow Mountain was the Host Drum for the evening. - Organizers: Kristie Peters (Indigenous youth mentor) and Caitlin Demmitt (Indigenous support worker) helped guide the event as part of Cultural Nights. Summary: The workshop is part of a three‑year Cultural Nights initiative aimed at fostering understanding and cultural connections between students, families, Elders and the wider community. Organizers said future nights could include a session on regalia and that growing attendance may prompt a move to the SOHSS gym. The next Cultural Nights workshop is scheduled at Agassiz Elementary/Secondary School on Feb. 25.