First Tsuut’ina pow wow since pandemic, celebrates Indigenous culture on eve of Papal visit to Alberta
Thousands gathered for the Tsuut'ina Pow Wow on First Nation land southwest of Calgary over the weekend for the first time since 2019, and just before the Roman Catholic Pope visits Alberta.
The event celebrates indigenous culture, with 700 dancers participating in the grand entry on Saturday afternoon.
It is the 62nd annual Tsuut'ina Pow Wow despite the pandemic interruption due to gathering restrictions.
Organizers say they wanted to create a "village vibe" to embrace all attendees, no matter where they come from.
"We're all very family-orientated people. We all love to hang out and visit and laugh and dance and sing and really enjoy each others company. Not just with our tribe but with other tribes," Kristen Meguinis, coordinator Tsuut'ina Pow Wow, rodeo and hand games.
Young dancers from a nation nearby say the event was joyful.
"I'm so thankful to be here because I know the creator brought me here today, and it's so good because I get to see so many new people, and I get to make friends," said Kodi Plume, 12, Kainai Junior princess 2022-2023.
Plume also said she enjoyed observing Tsuut'ina traditions.
One of the dozens of vendors at the weekend event called "Let Them Play Apparel" is donating partial proceeds to the Stardale Women's Group to support Indigenous teen girls in Calgary.
"I call them learning t-shirts; each shirt comes with a card explaining the Indigenous meaning in it," said Tracey Grienke, a Cree woman who now resides in Sylvan Lake.
Calgary political leaders say events like these help strengthen relationships.
"Having those neighbour to neighbour, nation to nation relationships is really important. We have some shared boundaries and shared land we need to steward and take care of," said Kourtney Penner, Ward 11 Councillor.
This traditional celebration comes one day before the Pope's scheduled visit to Edmonton and Maskwacis in central Alberta.
He's expected to apologize to Canada's Indigenous peoples for the Roman Catholic Church's role in the harms perpetuated by the residential school system.
Tsuut'ina Chief Roy Whitney says he is hoping for healing for all residential school survivors, including those from Tsuut'ina.
"There has to be resolution for our people. That's not going to happen with one apology, its gonna happen over a period of time because it's impacted our nations immensely," said Chief Whitney.
The Papal visit is a result of Indigenous delegations that travelled to the Vatican in March.
The Pope is expected to reiterate his apology publicly in Alberta.
Indigenous community members say the pain and trauma of residential schools have been passed down through the generations.
For survivors or residential schools and their families in need of support, the 24/7 national crisis line is 1-866-925-4419.
CTV News will have all the details during special coverage hosted by Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa Laflamme, airing Monday at 9:00 a.m. on CTV News Channel.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.