PHEASANT RUMP NAKOTA FIRST NATIONS - Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation held its annual competitive powwow on Aug. 4-6.
Dancers, singers and drummers competed all weekend for points and on the final day, the winners would be announced after the last event.
The powwow grounds had plenty of room for competitors and their families to camp for the weekend. It was a drug and alcohol-free event, and vehicles were checked upon entry.
Vendors were also on site with detailed beaded earrings and purses, shirts and skirts.
Food booths kept the hungry fed and on Aug. 6, a steak and eggs breakfast was sponsored by Broken Arrow Gas Bar.
Grand entry took place on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m., while on Aug. 5 and 6 the grand entrance was held at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Each time, the flags were carried into the beat of the drum, while the jingles of the regalia went in tune with the beat. Each dancer enters the circle to take part in the opening.
The detailed regalia was covered in bright colours and beads with feathers and ribbons adorning their hair. Some of the dancers' regalia is quite heavy and proved to be hot in the 27 C heat.
The ceremony is the beginning of the competition and is blessed by a prayer to the Creator.
Due to the event being a competition, an outside source is hired to tabulate the points. This was done by C and T Tabulation and Wastete Sound.
Many dancers, drummers and singers will follow the powwows and compete in the hopes of taking home some of the cash.
MCs for the weekend were Harold Blacksmith from Souix Valley, Man., and Amos McArthur of Pheasant Rump.
It is not all about the competition. On Aug. 5 they had some games. A neckbone eating contest was one. Twenty people entered and had to eat three neckbones down to the bone. Whoever did it the fastest would be declared the winner. Lil John Davis won this one.
Another fun event to watch was the tug of war among the drum groups.
At one point all the attendees were asked to go in the circle and dance. During this dance, judges were in the circle and the MC said freeze. A prize was given out to the nearest dancers. This could go on for one song or several songs.
The days were long for the dancers, singers, drummers and spectators, as the event went into the wee hours of the morning.
Princess and Lil Warrior honours were awarded to Lola Kakakaway and Bravely McArthur.
Tickets were sold on the chance to win an all-terrain vehicle, which went home with Moses Ishnakootay, when his ticket was pulled from the pile.
Another draw was for the 50/50 tickets that were sold, and the lucky winner was Mandy Kirk of Kisbey. A cash draw was also held.
Filled with non-stop entertainment, everyone had a great time, and some dancers went home happier with a win.
For more photos, please see Observed At on Page 7.
