Kamloopa Pow Wow 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 7:56PM 
Each summer in the sweltering heat of early August, the Tk'emlups Indian Band of Kamloops BC plays host to a celebration of traditional indigenous storytelling, song and dance. With more than 500 dancers and drummers, this year the 31st annual Kamloopa Pow Wow attracted an estimated 15,000 spectators over the event's three day run.
One of the biggest events of its kind in Western Canada, the celebration is held on the sprawling Secwepemc Pow Wow Grounds, located just north of downtown Kamloops along the South Thompson River. The location provides ample space for camping, a sandy beach to get away from the heat and a impressive outdoor amphitheater that not only houses the main performance stage, but also the event's many vendors.
Much more then just a singing, dancing or drumming competition, the Kamloopa Pow Wow is truly a cultural event. It brings together members of diverse indigenous communities and provides a platform for native peoples to share, explore and reconfirm their distinct cultural identity.
With upwards of ninety percent of participants being of aboriginal heritage, the Pow Wow is a vibrant celebration of indigenous culture, by indigenous peoples for an indigenous audience.
Reader Comments (2)
You have some awesome shots of the powwow. Your keen eye captured not only the tradition of the event, but also drew me into the relevance of the times we live in. This entices me to want to see more.
one of my absolute favorite things to be a part of is pow wow's. these photos are beautiful! if you're ever Manitoulin Island way at around Aug. 1st long weekend, check out the Sheguiandah pow wow. it's tucked away in a forest of cedars right on the water. it's absolutely stunning!