"9th New Credit traditional Pow Wow"

NEW CREDIT - New Credit's 9th Annual Three Fires Homecoming Powwow and Traditional Gathering drew a larger than ever crowd over the weekend.

On the scale of things, Three Fires is small traditional powwow but the appeal of this non-­competitive, relaxed event may be catching as visitors were literally lined up to get in to the grounds with an at least five to ten minute wait to get in for Saturday's 1:00 grand entry.

Carolyn King, vice chair of the Cultural Committee, estimated that roughly 3,000 people attended throughout the weekend which also drew approximately 75 vendors.

It was a good turn out and we heard some good comments, said King.

This year, the Committee introduced poetry reading/storytelling into the schedule of events and the results were very favourable to this new idea with up to 40 people at a sitting.

Material for the readings were past submissions to a writing contest sponsored by the Woodland Cultural Centre. Gathering the poetry became a bit of a challenge for King who found herself having to call up past entrants to see it they had kept these school time treasures.

The collection of poetry, penned by New Credit members, and segments of short stories written by First Nations people were read by aboriginal actress Gloria Eshkabok, known for her work as part of the cast of Thompson Highway's Dry Lips Ought to Go to Kapuskasing and Rez Sisters and much more.

Another drawing factor to this year's powwow was the theme of honouring First Nations veterans. The theme was chosen in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, to honour all those who have served in the Armed Forces, and also in tribute to one of New Credit's veterans, George Doxtator, who had served as the powwow's Head Veteran for eight years.

With the number of dancers, drums, vendors and visitors on the increase, King said that the powwow committee and the community has to look at what they should do if the event gets any larger.

Like how King put it, "oh what a problem to have."