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VIDEO: Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow attracts big crowds

Families, friends gather to celebrate First Nations culture in Duncan

The people of the Cowichan offered a warm “M’inuw’ilum Si’em” (welcome) to drummers, singers and dancers from visiting First Nations who gathered last weekend on at the Si’em Lelum Soccer Fields in Duncan for the annual Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow.

The Pow Wow Society is a non-profit organization promoting a safe and fun family event that this year was dedicated to the missing and murdered Aboriginal women, whose families are still mourning or hopeful. The event promotes wellness, safety, peace and unity by ensuring everyone is treated respectfully.

Spirited dances, colourful costumes, special prayers and ceremonies and the warmth of fellowship are celebrated annually at this well-attended event, which gives all ages the chance to participate and in doing so celebrate their rich and varied cultural heritage.

The rain that had been forecast held off for the most part, allowing this First Nations festival a more comfortable outdoor setting.

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The flag party leads the grand entrance around the Si’em Lelum field Friday evening. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The Pow Wow offers the chance for dancers from a variety of tribes to celebrate fellowship and culture. For more photos see page 13. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The Pow Wow offers the chance for dancers from a variety of tribes to celebrate fellowship and culture. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Colourful regalia are on display at the Pow Wow in Duncan. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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A Pow Wow is an opportunity to celebrate First Nations culture. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The first Inter Tribal dance demonstrates the huge variety of First Nations regalia. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Every age enjoys the friendly Inter Tribal dances. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Friday evening at the Siem Lelum field, participants in the Quw’utsun Pow Wow join in the Grand Entrance. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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A boy shows off his Pow Wow regalia Friday night. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Young dancers energetically enjoy an evening with their friends during the Inter Tribal event. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Young dancers energetically enjoy an evening with their friends during the Inter Tribal event. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Families and friends gather to participate in the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow in Duncan. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Colours and styles of clothing make the event a special treat for spectators. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The weather was great for the Pow Wow at the Siem Lelum field on Friday evening. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The women parade their finery in the grand entry. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Younger people join the Inter Tribal dance at the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The Pow Wow is a great opportunity for families to share their culture. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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A tiny dancer shows that Pow Wow style on Friday evening. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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It’s easy to see who just can’t wait for a chance to wear regalia and dance at the Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Beautiful, colourful regalia is part of the attraction of a Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Pow Wow dancers dress in a variety of styles at the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Pow Wow dancers dress in a variety of styles at the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Younger people join the Inter Tribal dance at the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Grass dancing regalia is extremely colourful. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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All ages of participants take part in the Inter Tribal dancing at the Siem Lelum fields. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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A brightly-costumed dancer performs at the opening of the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow Friday. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Two brilliantly dressed dancers approach the elders’ pavilion. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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During the grand entry, dancers are divided by category. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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It takes time and effort to prepare for Pow Wow dancing; there are no short cuts. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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The Inter Tribal Dance attracts participants of all ages. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
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Grass dancers take part in the Quw’utsun Inter Tribal Pow Wow in Duncan. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)