Cultural event with a lot of heart makes triumphant return to Prince Albert

“It’s all about the youth and the culture and exposing youth to different cultures”, he explained.

Over 3,000 people assembled in Prince Albert’s Kinsmen Park for the Heart of the Youth Pow Wow. The grand entry was full of colour and energy. @princealbertnow @CKBI @Power99fm @BeachRadioPA pic.twitter.com/djGpl2cI9c

— nigel maxwell (@nigelmaxwell) May 26, 2023

In 2021, due to concerns related to COVID, a virtual online event was held and reached over 2,000 people. Last year, the pow wow attracted over 3,000 participants. Chow also acknowledged the parents and grandparents who come to watch.

“We’re gonna have some dancers, some drum groups, and again just provide that cultural aspect for the youth,” he said.

Charlyn Head from James Smith Cree Nation had five kids involved and expressed how watching them just makes her feel good.

“I want them to dance their whole lives,” she said, noting she also enjoyed dancing when she was a young girl.

Head explained in her own family they takes great strides to enure their children known about their culture whether it’s through attending round dances or smudging in their home.

Justin Naytowhow from Sturgeon Lake was among the participants in Friday’s grand entry. @princealbertnow @Power99fm @CKBI @BeachRadioPA pic.twitter.com/mBL8JGioaR

— nigel maxwell (@nigelmaxwell) May 26, 2023

In addition to the thousands of students in attendance, a number of dignitaries were also in attendance including representatives from Prince Albert Grand Council, Prince Albert Police Service, City Hall, and MLAs Alana Ross and Jim Lemaigre.

Denise Burns, an elder from James Smith Cree Nation, watched on as the young dancers showed off their skills on the grass.

“Its a growing thing like the kids get to experience their own culture. A lot of these kids don’t,” she said.

Explaining she has 14 grandchildren, Burns said she feels very proud when she watches them dance and show interest in their culture.