Hatzic Middle School hosted its third annual powwow on Friday (May 30).
The event, which has grown each year, featured two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
This year’s event included students from other schools as well as elders from the community. Dancing, drumming and other activities took place during the day.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Hatzic Middle School Powwow such a meaningful and successful event. This marks our third year hosting the celebration, and it continues to grow in both spirit and community involvement,” said Tasheena Styran, Indigenous Program Area Lead at Hatzic Middle School.
“It has been my honour to help plan this event alongside our dedicated Indigenous Department. It has truly been a labour of love that we’ve been working on since September. For many of us, this day is the highlight of our school year, a day filled with connection, culture, and celebration,” Styran added in a written statement.
This year, with the support of VYPER (Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization – a youth-governed group for urbanized and non-urbanized indigenous youth in B.C.) organizers welcomed Bad Eagle Drum Group who provided live drumming for the first time.
Styran went on to thank other members of the HMS Indigenous department, the school’s admin team, cafeteria staff and the many teachers and students who not only attended but also helped with set-up and clean-up throughout the day.
“We are grateful to the Gray family, who have supported this event as our emcees and lead dancers from the beginning, and to Helena from VYPER for her key role in planning and building community connections.”
She also thanked the sponsors, HMS PAC, Leq’á:mel Development Corporation, Deroche Tim Hortons, and The Mission Friendship Centre Society.
“Community events like this are a powerful act of reconciliation and a meaningful opportunity for learning and connection. We are so proud to be part of that work and so grateful to share this experience with our students and community. Kw'osoy, my hands go up to you all.”
