The second annual Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival powwow kicks off Friday, April 6 and lasts until Sunday evening.
The free three-day powwow runs on April 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., April 7 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and April 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drum groups will play as dancers from all over B.C. and beyond compete for specials in Men’s Traditional, Women’s Traditional, Men’s Grass, Women’s Jingle, Team Boys Combined and Team Girls Combined.
During the Powwow, there will be an art exhibition of local First Nations artists’ work and children’s arts-and-crafts workshops held on Saturday at 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Sunday from 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The concession will serve First Nations’ food and arts-and-crafts vendors will be on site.
This event marks the second year of partnership between the Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the Princeton Community Arts Council.
Museum shows powwow history
The History of the Pow Wow exhibition is now open. Regalia from local First Nation artists Oly Bent and Tiinesha Begaye will be on display, as well as children’s regalia.
The exhibition looks at the tradition surrounding powwows and runs Wednesday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 3p.m. until April 14 at the Princeton & District Museum & Archives on Vermilion Avenue. Entry by donation.
Special performance
For the close of the Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival, we are excited to announce a special performance by Tiinesha Begaye at Riverside Centre on April 15 at 3p.m.
Tiinesha, whose heritage is Navajo and Similkameen, sings a blend of Canadian style hand drumming with elements of Diné social singing and presents songs that capture the excitement and energy of native youth today. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 each.
For more details on events, including the powwow schedule visit the Princeton Arts Council website.