One of Vancouver Island’s most colourful and authentic cultural celebrations is on July 31 to Aug 2 in Brentwood Bay. The 22nd Annual Yellow Wolf Intertribal Powwow includes music, dance and everyone’s favourite traditional food.
“We would like the public to know that they are welcome to attend this cultural event and that it is free and a drug and alcohol free event,” says Angel Sampson, one of the organizers. “It’s a fun event for the whole family.”
This free, three-day event begins Friday evening with the Grand Entry at 7pm and ends on Sunday night at 6pm.
Set against the natural backdrop of the Tsartlip First Nations land, watch male dancers play to the audience in colourful feathered and beaded regalia and female dancers spin with flying fringe to the resonating beat of drums and ancient songs.
“There will be cultural foods like salmon barbecue, Indian tacos, Indian hotdogs, and some western fare like burgers, hotdogs, chips, hot and cold drinks,” says Sampson.
There will also be an array of First Nation art and crafts for sale. The Saturday evening dinner break from 5 to 7pm will include a variety of entertainment.
Grand entry times are Friday, July 31 at 7pm, Saturday, Aug. 1 at 1pm and 7pm, Sunday Aug. 2 at 1pm.
The event is held at 800 Stelly’s X Road in the soccer field. Hosted by the Tsartlip First Nations, the Coast Salish people of the Saanich Nation. The event is wheelchair accessible.