Prairie Thunder powwow-ready

Flag song, songs that are sung at every powwow. These songs are the basics to learn as a powwow singer,” said Waskewitch.

“Based on how much they show up and show commitment to learning powwow, then we take them to a mini powwow.” ture and it’s fun. That’s what I like about it.”

The inaugural interschool Heart of Treaty 6 Reconciliation Interschool Powwow took place outdoors at Lakeland last May.

The Prairie Thunder Boys have been practising for two years under the leadership of Waskewitch.

He teaches students timing, appropriate songs and learning the songs they sing at the powwows.

They can become more of who they are. That’s what the drum teaches us. It teaches us to stick together and help each other out. As much as we sing, we’re learning how to be young men as well.

Powwows are also for healing.

“We are all healing and praying for ourselves and our loved ones because we are all going through our own struggles at home. When we come to a powwow, it’s a place for us to heal and help to uplift each other,” said Waskewitch.

Drumming instructor Winddancer Waskewitch with the Lloydminster Public School Division is teaching Indigenous kids how to put more wow into powwows.

A group of learners called the Prairie Thunder Boys is preparing for an upcoming inter-school powwow at Lakeland Col - lege with a weekly practice at Jack Kemp Community School.

“Every Wednesday we teach kids to sing certain songs like the drum song, a crow hop song, the Treaty 6

“I wanted them to know how to start a song, when to stop, when to use their voice and how to respect the drum and each other,” he explained.

“They can become more of who they are. That’s what the drum teaches us. It teaches us to stick together and help each other out. As much as we sing, we’re learning how to be young men as well.”

Powwows are also a social gathering where non-Indigenous people can learn about Indigenous Peoples and their history through the art and storytelling of song and dance.

“There is a whole series of songs from different tribes,” said Waskewitch.

Gage Chocan is a senior member of the Prairie Thunder Boys who’s been powwow drumming and singing since Grade 8 and loving it.

He’s in Grade 11 now at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School and says it means a lot to him.

“I like connecting with my culture, hanging out with these guys and I like learning new songs. Singing just makes me feel good,” he said.

Chocan says he’s looking forward to the inter-school powwow at Lakeland and some other powwows this summer.

“It’s a really easy way to stay with the cul -

Farron Chamakese, who is helping Waskewitch with powwow teachings, says his grandfather grew up in the residential school era after the Indian Act of 1876 outlawed Indigenous ceremonies.

“Throughout that time, my ‘grandfathers’ showed resilience through drumming,” he said.

Chamakese teaches the Prairie Thunder Boys the meaning of powwow is the process of a boy becoming a man.

“Throughout that period is when we are learning about things like these are our ceremonies, our drumming,” he said.

“We know the history of what our ancestors went through, and because of that, we try to keep on to it and teach, so when these boys reach 60 years old they will have something to teach the next generation.”

Adopted by City Council in 2020, and after extensive planning and consultation, the initial roadway construction is expected to begin mid-to-late-May.

The long-term revitalization project aims to create a downtown core that will attract residents and visitors alike.

Phase 1 of the Central Business District Replacement Program will focus on replacing the underground infrastructure within 50 Street, between 49 Ave. and 50 Ave., including both intersections and aboveground improvements, which include adapting the existing roadway cross-section, installing new sidewalks, street lighting, street furniture, traffic lights and landscaping.

In addition to the physical improvements, such as an upcoming façade grant, the City’s Economic Development department is committed to supporting local businesses during construction.

Measures will be implemented to ensure businesses remain accessible and minimize disruption to their operations.

“We understand the vital role that businesses play in our city’s economic growth and are dedicated to providing the resources and tools they need to succeed. As we embark on the downtown revitalization project, we’ll work closely with local businesses to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible and that their needs are considered,” said Katlin Ducherer, Economic Development Officer.

The City of Lloydminster is also committed to engaging with residents throughout the project and welcomes feedback and input on these revitalization efforts. Information on the project, including updates and timelines, will be posted at Lloydminster.ca/CBDRP and on social media channels.

The City of Lloydminster would like to thank all residents, businesses, and com -