24 - Wednesday August 3, 194 -

Brad Ledwidge
BRIGHT LIGHTS

THE SQUAMISH Nation hosted
an international Pow Wow at
Hamulchen Park in’ North
Vancouver July 29-31,

Participants from across west-
ern Narth America attended the
three day celebration of aborigi-
nat fife.

More than just a festival, the
pow wow offers an opportunity to
learn and practice the teaching of
Native Elders in a drug and alco-
hol free environment.

The ceremony begins with tra-
ditional, fancy, grass and jingle
dancers gathered in the dance cir-
cle. The grand entry is then led by
veteran warriors who have fought
in world wats for either the
United States or Canacta.

A highlight of the pow wow is
the carrying of the Eagle Staff.
These are the flags of various First
Nations and among the oldest
symbols of Native people.

Originally only the most
valiant of the warrior class of
were allowed to carry the Eagle
Staff. This tradition of valor con-
tinues today, with the staffs car-
tied only by veterans of battle.

As an opportunity to share the
teachings of Native elders with
non-native members of the pub-
lic, the Squamish pow wow is
more than a brilliant display, it is
a way of life.

A typical pow wow expresses
the whole range of human emo-
tions through singing, dancing,
drumming, teaching, learning,
and taughter.

The word pow wow comes
from the traditional Algonquin
term for medicine man,
“Pauwow,” or “he dreams.”

DANCERS, TOP, during entrance; Native warriors, above, carry
the Eagle Stat at the start of the Pow Wow celebration.

Morty Snore News

JOEY BAK

Nation Pow Wow and dance competition. The event was held July 29-31 at

i. wn tok TN i £.
ER awaits the start of opening ceremonies at

the Squamish

Hamuichen Park at the foot of Capilano Road in North Vancouver.

CLIFF, FROM Saga Productions, displays native
dream catchers during the weekend ceremony.

“he word pow wow comes from
the Algonquin term for medicine
man “Pauwow” (he dreams).

The pow wow is a healing ritual that

brings harmony. At the .pow wow there

is singing, dancing, drumming, teach-

ing, learning, laughter, tears — the
whole experience of being human.

DALLAS, LEFT, and Nicklaus await the start of the ceremonial dance. Participants also came
from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as Montana, idaho and Washington,

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