Similkameen powwow makes triumphant return to Keremeos: ‘It does the heart really good to see this’

Pounding drums and the tinkling of jingle dresses filled the open airs of their Snaʕsnulax̌tn Campground’s powwow arbour once again this past weekend after a wildfire tore through the area last year.

The annual Similkameen Powwow of Champions was cancelled in 2023, but returned to Keremeos over the Labour Day long weekend with a renewed sense of appreciation as hundreds of people travelled from near and far for the three-day celebration.

“It’s just awesome seeing everyone come back, with no smoke in the air. We’re able to breathe,” kalʔlùpaɋʹn Chief Keith Crow of Lower Similkameen Indian Band told IndigiNews.

Last year, the Crater Creek blaze burned more than 46,000 hectares in the region, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The flames nearly reached the powwow arbour in sməqmíx (Similkameen) homelands, but it was miraculously unscathed.

“The fire was right here. We had it right here, this whole area,” said Chief Crow. “We lost a structure just up the road.”

Following the grand entry on the powwow’s first night on Aug. 30, Chief Crow addressed the crowd and thanked the sməqmíx Powwow Committee for organizing the event.

He also expressed his gratitude to Creator for bringing the powwow back this summer, and for keeping the community safe from wildfires.

Crow said the prayers and happiness that come with the powwow brings a lot of joy to the community.

“It does the heart really good to see this.”

In addition to specials and birthday celebrations, there were opportunities for dancers of all ages and backgrounds to win hundreds of dollars in prizes, from tiny tots to traditional, jingle, grass and fancy dance events.

The community was treated with clear blue skies and warm sunshine for all three days, with many setting up camp near the arbour. Dozens of vendors were on site selling their crafts and other goodies, from beaded products to donuts and Indian tacos. 

Each day saw at least 100 people in attendance. Outside the arbour, children played tag and community members sat at picnic tables exchanging laughs as they ate. 

Mike Sanchez, the powwow’s master of ceremonies, described the powwow celebrations as a time for visiting relatives, meeting old friends and making new ones.

“At the same time, it’s also a form of healing for each and every one of our dancers and every one of you, because you never know what’s going on in your lives,” he said.

For those who had lost loved ones, or were seeking healing for other reasons, he encouraged them to find peace in the sounds of drums and the sound of jingle dresses.

“Heal yourself while you’re here. Have a good time — respect one another and love one another,” he said.

Chief Crow’s hope was that community members walked away with a full heart, full bellies and a great feeling of happiness.

“You see these young ones — they’re growing up, they’re learning,” he said. “They’re the ones that are going to make the change as we get older.”