Experience the excitement of a Powwow through Powwow Trail 101

Did you know that there are hundreds of Powwows that happen throughout the summer in North America? They are part of what’s called the Powwow Trail. In Treaty 7, there are five Powwows part of the Powwow Trail — Siksika, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, Piikani, and Iethka Stoney Nakoda Powwows.  

Ahead of these Powwows, Powwow Trail 101 has returned for its second year at the Library. The drop-in outdoor program is being offered at five Library locations and shares information about Powwow protocols, etiquette, and hosts drumming and dancing demonstrations with non-Indigenous Library visitors.   

Role of the Powwow emcee 

Autumn EagleSpeaker — the first female Powwow emcee in southern Alberta — is the emcee for all five Powwow Trail 101 programs. She grew into the role as a teen, learning from the late Lloyd Ewenin — a well-known Powwow singer. Through this role, she has learned how to engage an audience and educate people on the meaning and stories behind regalia, drumming, dancing, and more.  

“You get to share with people that education and that knowledge, and encourage them to not only come out, but to also participate.” 

EagleSpeaker also takes pride in being one of few women who takes part in what is traditionally a male-dominated role. 

“Encouraging our females and women to see what else is out there and what they can participate in is important. Our culture has been changed a lot by colonialism. Our ways of being and honouring our male and female roles has really changed. With modern times, we’re coming back strong and being part of leadership roles and emcees.” 

A beautiful experience for patrons of all ages 

At the Kainai Powwow Trail 101 program at Seton Library in mid-July, dancer Shirley Hill captivated Library patrons of all ages. About 15 kids joined Hill to learn different Hoop Dance moves before she did her own dance. While some may have been dancing to the beat of their own drum, Hill finds it extremely rewarding to be part of what may be someone’s first Powwow experience. 

“I make sure to tell the kids it’s all about storytelling. I think the Library is a beautiful place to gather together in our community and share our Indigenous culture, but for me specifically, Blackfoot culture, my own family lineage.” 

For both EagleSpeaker and Hill, the gratitude from the community has meant the world. It’s a setting where everyone is welcome and included. Even for patrons who are newcomers or may not speak the same language, the beauty and stories shared in the Powwow demonstrations still resonates deeply.  

“Being part of the Powwow Trail 101 program has been such a phenomenal experience. I’ve seen kids hoop dance, people young and old dance, and it’s just a great way for people to first experience it,” EagleSpeaker said. 

Everyone is welcome to attend upcoming Powwow Trail programs: 

Tsuut’ina Powwow Trail 101
Forest Lawn Library | July 24 | 11:00 am 

Piikani Powwow Trail 101  
Saddletowne Library | July 31 | 11:00 am   

Iethka Stoney Nakoda Powwow Trail 101 
Crowfoot Library | August 28 | 11:00 am