Garden River First Nation powwow returns to honour residential school children

Garden River First Nation (GRFN) announced the return of its annual powwow today via social media.

The two-day event takes place at the Garden River Ball Park on Aug. 21 and 22, and will be held in honour of residential school children.

"Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters across Canada, especially the families of those children and their relatives across the lands," reads a statement on the GRFN website. "This discovery is a painful reminder of the ongoing legacy of residential schools and the impacts of colonialism on our people."

"A powwow is a cultural gathering and celebration open to everyone. At the powwow, our visitors will experience the diverse culture through drumming, singing, dancing, arts and crafts, demonstrations, and some of the best tasting food!"

Grand Entry takes place at 1 p.m. and dancers are invited to register online.

Dance competition categories include men's traditional, fancy, and grass; women's traditional, fancy, and jingle; and junior boys and girls.

The 2020 GRFN powwow was cancelled due to health and safety concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.