One of the greatest summer events, the Annual Summer Celebrations Pow Wow, will be held on Aug. 3, 4, and 5 on the grounds of the Bear Claw Casino and Hotel. The annual summer celebration will be held by White Bear First Nations.
Grand Entry will take place on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. There will also be Grand Entries on both Aug 4 and 5 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
JR McArthur and Tobias Provost are the arena directors for the weekend competition. One of the announcers for the weekend will be Tommy Christian of Wolf Point, Montanna. Others are soon to be announced.
Registration for competition will be held on Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. There are thousands of dollars to be won in a variety of categories: Men's and Ladies Golden Age, Senior Adult, Junior Adult, Teen, Junior, Tiny Tots, and Drumming. Within each category of dance, except the golden age competition and tiny tots, there will be men's traditional, grass, fancy, and chicken dances, as well as women's traditional, jingle, and fancy competitions. The Golden Age and Tiny Tots include all styles.
The Pow Wow showcases some of the greatest First Nations dancing and drumming from across North America. Competitors attend from across the country, some even travelling from the southern United States to partake in the competition.
Though it is a competition that boasts large prizes, it is more about respecting the First Nations culture. It is a way to showcase tradition and allow people to come together celebrating the First Nations people.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend in order to learn and experience this spectacular cultural event. The hand crafted regalia are awe inspiring, the dancing is phenomenal, and the music can be felt deep in your soul. It is a wonderful experience to be shared by all.
