For the first time since 2019, thousands of people gathered in the Tuzzina Pow Wow just before the Pope’s visit to Alberta in First Nations, southwest of Calgary.
The event celebrates indigenous culture with 700 dancers attending the Grand Entry on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the interruption of the pandemic due to rally restrictions, this is the 62nd annual Tsuut’ina Pow Wow.
The organizers say they wanted to create a “village atmosphere” that would accept all participants, no matter where they came from.
“We are all family-friendly people. We all love to hang out, laugh, dance, sing and really enjoy each other’s company. Not just our tribe, but other tribes. With me, “coordinator Tutina is Kristen Meginis. Pow wow, rodeo, hand play.
Young dancers from a nearby country say the event was fun.
“I am very grateful to be here because I know the creators brought me here today. It’s great because I can meet lots of new people and make friends. “Kainai Junior Princess Cody Plume, 12, said. 2022-2023.
Plume also said he enjoyed observing the Tuzina tradition.
One of the dozens of vendors who attended a weekend event called “Let Them Play Apparel” donated a portion of its proceeds to the Stardale Women’s Group to help Calgary’s indigenous teenage girls.
“I call them learning T-shirts. Each shirt has a card that explains the meaning of the indigenous people,” said Tracy Grienke, a Cree woman who now lives in Sylvan Lake.
Calgary’s political leaders say events like these help strengthen relationships.
“Neighbors and neighbors are very important for country-to-country relations. We have shared boundaries and shared lands that need to be managed and cared for,” said Ward 11 Councilor. Courtney Penner said.
This traditional celebration takes place one day before the Pope’s scheduled visit to Edmonton and Maskwasis in central Alberta.
He is expected to apologize to the indigenous peoples of Canada for the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the harm perpetuated by the housing school system.
Roy Whitney, chief of the Tsuut’ina tribe, says he wants to heal the survivors of all residential schools, including the Tsuut’ina tribe.
“The people need a solution. It won’t happen with one apology. It will happen over a period of time because it has had such a huge impact on our country,” Whitney said.
The Pope’s visit is the result of an indigenous delegation who traveled to the Vatican in March.
The Pope is expected to publicly apologize in Alberta.
Members of the indigenous community say that the pain and trauma of housing schools has been passed down from generation to generation.
For survivors or housing schools and their families in need of assistance, the 24/7 National Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419.
CTV News will announce all details during a special press hosted by Chief News Anchor and Senior Editor Lisa Laflamme, which airs on CTV News Channel at 9am on Monday.
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