        The Bear Claw Casino and Hotel’s annual Summer Celebration Powwow, a beautiful showcase of First Nations culture, is being hosted again this year and will run from Aug. 26 to 28th.
               Grand entries will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28.
               People from across North America from California and Arizona to British Columbia and the prairie provinces usually attend with hundreds of participants showcasing their abilities while thousands of spectators take in the beautiful dancing and heart touching drumming.
               The drumming contest is judged on a five-point system based on six categories: dancer’s response, singing and harmony, drum rhythm, cleanliness, attendance for the number of singers, and overall performance. Each category is scored accordingly within the five-point system to deliver their final score.
               For dancing, male and female participants will compete in the junior category (seven years to 12 years) all the way up through to the Golden Age category with participants aged 55 and over. The women’s dancing includes traditional, fancy, and jingle; while the men will perform in the traditional, grass, fancy, and chicken dances.
               Monetary awards are available to those who place in the top five for dancers and in the top six for the drummers.
               In addition to the beautiful dancing and the amazing regalia of each dancer there will be a number of food booths as well as arts and crafts booths on site. Food often includes delicious bannock burgers, Indian tacos, and soup served with bannock. Arts and craft booths will include jewellery, artwork, and traditional clothing.
               Admission to the event is free, so mark your calendars and come out to enjoy the competition.
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