Uniting the community through Indigenous tradition with the All My Relations Healing Pow Wow in Calgary

It’s designed to be a celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions.

The first annual All My Relations Healing Pow Wow takes over the Bowness Community Association on Saturday, May 6.

A partnership between Closer to Home Community Services, Simon House Recovery Centre, and Calgary Police Service, the pow wow has the collaborative goal of bringing together all of Calgary and its surrounding area’s First Nations and families to heal and connect.

There will be a traditional dance competition as well as Sorrel Rider (Siksika) as the Host Drum alongside other drum groups from Nakoda Nation (Stoney Nakoda), Pipestem Kreek (Tsuu Tina), and Blackfoot Confederacy (Treaty 7 Area).

Everyone is welcome

Marsha Hanson is Closer to Home’s Pekewe Elder.

She has worked at the organization for 12 years and is proud to help organize the event. She hopes the pow wow will unite the community and create a safe space for celebration and education.

“Everyone is welcome. It’s for the healing of the people and the healing of our land,” she says.

“It’s bringing people together to celebrate what the creator has asked us to do, and that is to be together and be healthy.”

Hanson says Closer to Home has worked closely with Simon House and the police in the past as they all strive to heal individuals with addictions, help families that have suffered trauma, and create safety for all families around the city.

Her goal is to see the community come together, join hands, and enjoy the celebration.

A collaboration

Plans for the event began in January when the Bowness Community Association offered its building to Simon House for any Indigenous events the group wanted to organize. From there, the collaboration between the three agencies began and the Healing Pow Wow was born.

Kerry Glaude, director of Indigenous relations and client services at Simon House, says the recovery centre initiated its Indigenous programming, including a family reunification program, in August 2021.

“To solidify our commitment to reconciliation, healing, and restoring the lives of individuals and families, therefore playing a part in breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, we are proud to host this pow wow for All My Relations,” she says.

More than a traditional gathering, the pow wow also provides the opportunity to learn about the programs and resources available at the agencies.

The agencies will also showcase how they support Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, youth, parents, and caregivers.

“The opposite of addiction is connection, and with this collaboration, we can provide a safe place for everyone to connect, participate, and showcase the many talents and cultural practices of our First Nations brothers and sisters,” Glaude adds.

How to attend

The event is being held at the Bowness Community Association on Saturday, May 6 from 5 until 10pm with the grand entry beginning at 6pm.

For dancers wishing to participate in the contest, registration is open prior to the event from 3:30 to 5pm.

The traditional dance categories include nine male and female adult categories, seven boys and girls teen categories, seven boys and girls junior categories, and a tiny tots category open to 200 kids.

Entry to the event is free, but organizers are asking for non-perishable food donations. Food trucks and hot dogs will also be available at the event for purchase.