As part of National Indigenous History Month and in the spirit of reconciliation, the Town of Ponoka will help facilitate the return of the third annual Tipi Village to Ponoka during Stampede Week (June 25 to 28).
The four-day event is being hosted by the Louis Bull Tribe with participation by members of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation, and Montana First Nation, according to a release.
The Tipi Village will feature the following:
- a grand entry;
- greetings and speeches from elders and neighbouring First Nations;
- a powwow showcase;
- Indigenous storytelling, artwork, and culture and
- visitors can stroll through and talk with elders
The Tipi Village will be set up in the ball diamonds area located behind the arena, directly across from the Stampede grounds, and will be open to the public (weather permitting) from 2 to 5 p.m. each day.
There is no entry fee to attend the event and free parking will be available at the arena.
“The Town of Ponoka is very excited that the Tipi Village event will be returning to our community during Stampede Week again this year,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.
"It’s a great way to experience the Ponoka Stampede and celebrate Indigenous History Month with our neighbours.”
Tipi Village organizers are still looking for additional vendors, volunteers, pow-wow dancers, and drummers. Contact Suzanne Life-Yeomans at tipivillage2024@gmail.com if you are interested.
