The 3rd Annual Honouring Our Tiny Tots Traditional Powwow is March 1-2 in the TRU Gymnasium.

An event that started with students in TRU’s School of Social Work to build cultural awareness on campus is now in its third year and growing.

The 3rd Annual Honouring Our Tiny Tots Traditional  Powwow takes place March 1 and 2 in the gym at TRU. Grand entries are at 7pm on Friday and at 1pm and 7pm Saturday.

……………………………………………………………
Learn more about Aboriginal
courses, services, and more at TRU.
……………………………………………………………

Three years ago a student-led class project in decolonization brought together a group of non-Aboriginal students who had little to no experience in hosting an Aboriginal event, but who were very successful in bringing this powwow to the TRU Campus.

Today the event brings together over 300 participants from various Aboriginal communities within the Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux, Ts’ilhqot’in, Dakelh, Syilx and Nuxalk Territories (as well as other distant First Nations) who otherwise might not get the chance to participate and celebrate in this way.

“We are particularly proud that our students have taken the initiative to organize this event,” said Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor. “With the guidance of Elders and the community this event celebrates Aboriginal youth and culture.”

A partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities on the TRU campus and in the extended Kamloops community, this annual event is a much smaller version of the Kamloopa Powwow. An impressive example of the Secwepemc people’s heritage vibrantly preformed in dance, drumming and story telling, the Kamloopa Powwow is held each summer beneath the arbour at Tk’emlups, attracting nearly 30,000 people.

This year’s host drum is Kwatna Mountain, master of ceremonies is Richard Jackson, and the arena director is Jim Edgar.

“This event has become more visible, interactive and wider reaching to TRU Students,” said Nathan Matthew, TRU Executive Director of Aboriginal Education. “And it brings many people together to honor our children and the spirit of the vision that brings this powwow to TRU.”

MEDIA CONTACT
Nathan Matthew
TRU Executive Director Aboriginal Education
OFFICE PHONE: 250-377-6050
MOBILE PHONE: 250-851-6054