Everyone is invited to once again experience a free powwow in Chilliwack in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The third annual Orange Shirt Day Powwow is at Chilliwack Secondary School on Sept. 27 and 28.
The event, originally called the Truth and Reconciliation Powwow, began in 2022. The word ‘powwow’ comes from the Ojibwe people and it means "to gather" and share songs, stories and dance, organizer Gary Abbott explained last year.
The booming of drums and a full spectrum of colour will fill the school gym as people take in the different types of regalia, dancing and singing.
“Every style of dance has its own type of songs. Learning to discern the different songs and different styles takes a long time.”
The powwow will feature a number of special dances including the orange regalia special, men's chicken special and women's fancy special. The junior girls 215+ special on Saturday afternoon will be in honour and remembrance of the children and their families who attended residential school.
Host drum for the weekend is Wild River from Chilliwack.
There will be three grand entry times: Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. There is a dinner feast Saturday at 5 p.m.
In addition to the powwow, there will be dozens of vendors set up inside the gym and in the school's hallways selling jewelry, clothing, moccasins, art and more.
The third annual Orange Shirt Day Powwow is Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 at Chilliwack Secondary School (46363 Yale Rd.). This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
