iN PHOTOS: Similkameen powwow makes triumphant return to Keremeos

A dancer participates in the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its second day on Aug. 31, 2024.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

September 04, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Pounding drums and the tinkling of jingle dresses filled the open airs of their Sna?snulax?tn Campground’s powwow arbour once again this past weekend after a wildfire tore through the area last year.

The annual Similkameen Powwow of Champions was cancelled in 2023, but returned to Keremeos over the Labour Day long weekend with a renewed sense of appreciation as hundreds of people travelled from near and far for the three-day celebration.

Dancers participate in the grand entry for the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its opening night on Aug. 30, 2024.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

“It’s just awesome seeing everyone come back, with no smoke in the air. We’re able to breathe,” kal?lùpa?'n Chief Keith Crow of Lower Similkameen Indian Band told IndigiNews.

Last year, the Crater Creek blaze burned more than 46,000 hectares in the region, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The flames nearly reached the powwow arbour in sm?qmíx (Similkameen) homelands, but it was miraculously unscathed.

Dancers participate in the grand entry for the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its opening night on Aug. 30.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

A dancer participates in the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its second day on Aug. 31. Photo by

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Intiative

“The fire was right here. We had it right here, this whole area,” said Chief Crow. “We lost a structure just up the road.”

Following the grand entry on the powwow’s first night on Aug. 30, Chief Crow addressed the crowd and thanked the sm?qmíx Powwow Committee for organizing the event.

Young dancers participate in the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its opening night on Aug. 30.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

He also expressed his gratitude to Creator for bringing the powwow back this summer, and for keeping the community safe from wildfires.

Crow said the prayers and happiness that come with the powwow brings a lot of joy to the community.

“It does the heart really good to see this.”

Youth watch dancers participate in the grand entry for the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its opening night on Aug. 30.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

In addition to specials and birthday celebrations, there were opportunities for dancers of all ages and backgrounds to win hundreds of dollars in prizes, from tiny tots to traditional, jingle, grass and fancy dance events.

The community was treated with clear blue skies and warm sunshine for all three days, with many setting up camp near the arbour. Dozens of vendors were on site selling their crafts and other goodies, from beaded products to donuts and Indian tacos.

Each day saw at least 100 people in attendance. Outside the arbour, children played tag and community members sat at picnic tables exchanging laughs as they ate.

Mike Sanchez, the powwow’s master of ceremonies, described the powwow celebrations as a time for visiting relatives, meeting old friends and making new ones.

“At the same time, it’s also a form of healing for each and every one of our dancers and every one of you, because you never know what’s going on in your lives,” he said.

Community members watch the grand entry for the 2024 Similkameen Powwow of Champions during its opening night on Aug. 30.

Image Credit: Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative

For those who had lost loved ones, or were seeking healing for other reasons, he encouraged them to find peace in the sounds of drums and the sound of jingle dresses.

“Heal yourself while you’re here. Have a good time — respect one another and love one another,” he said.