Powwow report: A look at Saskatchewan's powwow scene

Every week this summer, Brad Bellegarde brought the powwow report — a look at Saskatchewan's powwow scene — to CBC Radio's The Morning Edition. 

Bellegarde grew up in Regina and is a member of Little Black Bear First Nation.

What do you love about powwows? 

I spent my summer's on the reserve at my grandma's home on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in Saskatchewan. Every weekend my parents would pick me up and we'd go to powwows in and out of the province.

I love how everyone is in good spirits and happy.

It's an amazing thing to see kids as young as two years old dancing powwow alongside elders in there 70s and 80s. It brings me a feeling of belonging.

There's nothing better than hearing powwow songs and watching dancers dance. 

What's one of your favourite powwow memories?

My favourite memory is from Standing Buffalo powwow.

It always happens the weekend of my birthday and on my 13th birthday, my cousin asked me if I wanted to dance the grand entry for him in his outfit. I danced my heart out that grand entry. That's a memory I will never forget. 

What do you hope people get out of the powwow report this summer? 

My hope is that everyone in Saskatchewan will take the time to visit a powwow and see the not-too-often talked about side of First Nations culture.

Everything one can see at a powwow is something that can help everyone take a small step towards true reconciliation.