How about a Powwow

Regalia - each one was an individualised unique creation

Felt very privileged to be able to attend the Powwow at #Mt Currie. There was an open invitation in the local paper to all members of the community to attend the Thanksgiving meetup of the Lil'wat. This powwow was "to recognise and honour the survivors of the Indian Residential School and their families."

Just a sports hall - another glorious day - out Mt Currie way

It was a celebration of drums, song and dance and powwows are described as a tradition, a festival, a competition, a meetup and reunion, a craft venue and an opportunity to share a meal! It was held in the local community hall and actually ran over three days. There a was a grand parade at 1 pm and then this was repeated at 7 pm. 

Invitation to attend in the local paper (interesting on the website spelling is POWWOW but in the paper  a "w" is dropped?)

We headed for the one during the day and @Mindy observed that it was much quieter than last year's event - we easily got a park! Probably about 300 hundred in attendance - the only obviously non-indigenous attendees were our group and one other. The MC did give directions on appropriate protocols - so we were able to sit and stand and applaud at appropriate times.

The Grand Parade - lead by Eagle Totem and two flags (Canada's and USA)

The audience sits in the "bleachers" and the MC announces the drum groups, dancers and singers responsible for each musical segment and invites different groups to "take to the floor" for various elements of the ceremony. Lots of "regalia" - traditional dress that includes feathers and headdresses, colourful ribboned costumes and lots of bells! Lots and lots of bells for the ladies costumes in particular. Male and female regalia equally elaborate though.

The majority of the participants were young children. All decked out in their regalia. There were no speeches or stories - it was really a focus on the sound and rhythm of the dances and songs.

We were in the stands away from the action - no closeup photos

There was an "order" to the proceedings. We saw performances of The Eagle Song, The Flight Song, The Honour Song and heard the Prayer of the Creator presented by the Matriarch of the Band in both her language and then in English. All the songs and dances are performed by different groups- you are assigned "your dance" at birth and at the Powwow you perform with your group. The combination of the drums, the bells and the male voices in song made for a very heady atmosphere. 

At one stage the "Royalty" was called to the arena. These people processed and represented "royalty" who had served last year and "royalty" to serve for the coming year. These were children - supported by their parents. Each new member of "royalty" took to the microphone and introduced themselves in their native language and then in English and made their pledge to represent their people.

Royalty introduce themselves and pledge their service

Apparently these children travel to Powwows held across the North American continent representing the Lil'wat band. They are goodwill ambassadors of the band and will hold the position for one year. In the case of the Lil'wat, according to the dad I spoke with, his daughter achieved "royalty" through fund-raising and supporting the community.

An interesting experience. 

On the way home, we detoured to #Wedge Mountain to visit very close "Whistler-family" friends. I think @Mac found his dream #Canada home and would gladly live in this home with floor to ceiling views of the mountain.

Happily wake up to that every day

 Had a deadline to be home. @Ian's team, the San Francisco 49 ers, undefeated this season, had the evening game. Had drinks and made personalised pizzas, and yelled and roared for every point, to keep their streak going. A very complicated process here - got your team jersey on, watching a combination of full screen and split screen views, keeping tabs on your fantasy team online with your mates AND trying g to educate the #Aussies.

And it is so very full of ads!! Crazy, funny, sometimes ridiculous ads - almost as good as the football.

The good news, the pizzas were fabulous, @Ian took a commanding lead in his #Fantasy League AND the 49ers maintained their unbeaten streak.  

I seriously suggested that maybe this team could make the Superbowl Final and that @Mindy and @Ian should go. I had no idea - and certainly didn't believe them when they told me. But tickets for that event are THOUSANDS of dollars. 

Let's take two of those at US $ 48 510!

A full, fun day continuing the celebration of Thanksgiving in Canada.