One of Canada’s biggest powwows set to debut at Calgary Stampede

One of the largest competitive powwows in Canada is about to make its grand entrance at this year’s Calgary Stampede and everyone is invited to this celebration of culture.

A new celebration of culture and a gathering of community. You’re invited to the Calgary Stampede Powwow, produced in collaboration with @powwowtimes, July 12-14 at Stampede 2022 in the Saddledome.

Learn more at https://t.co/lVooJgjmH8 pic.twitter.com/MzqpfdWrrY

— Calgary Stampede (@calgarystampede) May 6, 2022

The Calgary Stampede Powwow is a one-of-a-kind event that features competitive dancing, drumming, and singing, and showcases Indigenous performances, according to event coordinators.

“The Calgary Stampede features some of the best competitors in western events, including Rodeo and Chuckwagon racing, so it only makes sense that we are now bringing the best competitors in powwow to this year’s Calgary Stampede,” said Shannon Murray, Manager of Indigenous Engagement at the Calgary Stampede.

The Powwow Times is a local initiative based in Olds, Alberta with the aim of connecting people with Native American culture, teachings, and knowledge and will be featured in this year’s performance.

“It has always been a dream for Marrisa and I to reach such a large audience,” said Patrick Mitsuing, Producer of Powwow Times.

“Through traumas and residential schools, a lot of our people’s connection with their culture has been lost or broken, but through events like the Stampede Powwow, we are able to share the tradition of Powwow and help reconnect Indigenous peoples to their own culture, while introducing and sharing it with non-Indigenous peoples as well,” said Mitsuing.

CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Shae Bird, says this is a diverse and inclusive way to learn about the Indigenous people’s culture.

“We hope this Powwow will open people’s eyes to the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture and the Indigenous tourism experiences that are available all over the province. Indigenous tourism is a fantastic way for people to connect and learn from Indigenous people themselves, and have fun while doing so,” said Bird.

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The event is set to take place July 12 to 14 during this year’s Stampede.