Expect a whole lot of dancing next weekend when the fifth annual Squamish Powwow begins, attracting dancers and artists across the country. "This year will be our largest powwow yet," said Charlene Williams, organizer for the event. "We have a drum group coming in from Saskatchewan, called the Cree Confederation, and they have been winning competitions all over this past summer so they are one of the top drum groups."Williams said dancers like to go to powwows where there are good drum group because it helps them with their craft."They can dance better, so we have dancers coming that have never been here before," said Williams.The event will be hosted by the Squamish Nations Educational Department and used to kick off the Squamish Nations National Addictions Awareness week."It's to celebrate healthy living and having a good time without the use of drugs or alcohol," said Williams.The powwow is at Totem Hall, Saturday Nov. 22, from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. There are dancing competitions for the men and women that will be judged based on footwork and regalia, said Williams."There are different styles of dancing for the men. There is fancy style dancing, grass dancing and traditional dancing," said Williams. "For the women there is fancy dancing, jingle dress dancing and traditional dancing."She explained they have age categories from young to old."As soon as you can walk the little ones start to learn how to dance," said Williams. There will also be opportunities for audience members to get involved as well, said Williams, with dances such as the Friendship Dance, The Owl Dance for sweethearts and the Potato Dance where partners dance with a potato held between their foreheads.Vendors will be at the event selling First Nations artwork, spin work and jewelry as well as First Nations food such as bannock and 'Indian tacos,' said Williams.Ray Thunderchild will be the MC and will keep the audience laughing, said Williams."He has the greatest sense of humour, he is very lively we have always used him," said Williams.Doors open at 11 a.m. and the first dance begins at noon called the Grand Entry where all competing dancers dance together. Admission is by donation.
