Stoney Nakoda First Nation celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day with a powwow in Mînî Thnî (Morley) on June 21.
The Stoney Tribal Hockey Arena and Gymnasium was packed for a day full of dancing, singing and drumming in honour of Indigenous culture.
Around 100 dancers wore their best regalia to participate in inter-tribal, grass, traditional, fancy, jingle and various other dance categories.
Host drums at the event included Krazy Creek, Spotted Rock, and Chiniki Lake.
Chiniki First Nation chief Aaron Young, Wesley/Goodstoney First Nation chief Clifford Poucette and Beaspaw First Nation chief Darcy Dixon were all in attendance to celebrate the occasion, along with several councillors.
"Today is a good day to be native, just like every day is," said Young to the crowd during the event's opening remarks. "Thank you for joining us on this first day of summer to celebrate with us as we share who we are as Îethka people."
Both Daniel "Moss" Wildman and Johnny Powderface acted as the master of ceremonies for the event.
The day began with a pipe ceremony at 9 a.m. with the powwow kicking off around 11 a.m. There were craft vendors and lunch was provided.
Partners in the event included Stoney Health Services, Mini Thni Crisis Support, Stoney Family Resource Network, Stoney Nakoda Child and Family Services, Stoney Tribal Administration, Stoney Education Authority, the Town of Canmore and BGC Cochrane and Area.
