Kamloopa Pow Wow 2015

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By DANIELA GINTA

Summer in Kamloops means redefining hot weather yet again, and it means evening swims at the river as well as great music in the park. Yet every long weekend in August, summer brings one of the biggest First Nations’ events in Western Canada right in the heart of Kamloops.

This year’s 36th Powwow has been every bit as lively and beautiful as last year’s. Seeing familiar faces, from the Grand Cache First Nations photographer who shared so many stories last year, to the ‘bear lady’ – a young woman whose part of the regalia is the pelt of a grizzly bear, to so many people who displayed striking beadwork, often the result of many generations working together, seeing them during the third Grand Entry was a most fitting way to spend a Saturday night, heat and crowds notwithstanding.

So lively was the symphony of colours that it felt compelling to keep on photographing, though light that time a day often refuses to cooperate with the willing eye and hand.

The event is a powerful one in reminding us all of traditions and acceptance. If you skipped this year, mark your calendar for next year. The pow wow is a unique event that is more than worth seeing.