#ExploreLethbridge – Indigenous spirit shines bright

The powwow intertwines threads of history, passion, pride, and spirit. Indigenous communities unite as one for a grand entry into the arena, putting on a spectacular and powerful display of pride.

After introductions, the traditional drumming and dancing began. It is not just a spectacle; it is a full-body, sensory experience, as Indigenous people dance around the floor. Their intricate movements are in time with the deep drum beat, and I watch in awe.

As I stood on the edge of the red carpet, one individual dressed in full regalia stood out. Proud and strong, Peter Anthony was the most charismatic dancer on the floor, dancing from his very soul. His talent was recognized when he won the senior men's competition.

I shot a portrait photograph of Peter, and posted it on Instagram. A couple hours later, Peter's granddaughter, Kira, sent me a direct message. She had seen the photo through the hashtag #powwow and exclaimed, "That's my Grandpa! His name is Peter Anthony!"

I never would have thought these connections and community would happen from taking this photo.

“I’ll never forget watching him run towards the little table in the arbour at Beaver Lake, after getting first place with a great big smile on his face,” Kira said.

“It really warms my heart to watch him dance. He dances from the heart and he dances because he loves to.”

I learned that Peter is from the Adams Lake Indian Band, Secwepemc Nation, near Shuswap, B.C. He makes his own regalia, including the face paint he wears.

The honour of attending this celebration gave me new insight into the spirit and vitality of Indigenous people. 

Traditional Indian horse relay races

“Indian relay races,” as they are called, were the spectacular finale of the 50th anniversary celebration.

For those who have never experienced them, they have the intensity of the Calgary Stampede’s chuckwagon races, but without all the gear. It is a bareback display of sheer grit!

There are five teams of racers, with five racers and one horse to each team. As the horn sounds, one rider from each team fires around the track as fast as possible. As they complete the first lap, the rider leaps up and jumps up onto another horse and heads out for a second lap.

Its pure emotion and power is mesmerizing. These highly tuned athletes showed athleticism, courage and unbridled enthusiasm for this traditional Indigenous sport.

The Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge is hosting another round of Indian Relay Racing, Sept 14 to 15. And for those who actually want to get out and experience the sport, you can do it each night at 7 p.m. It's just one of the many programs in celebration of the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society 50th anniversary. 

The Galt Museum is keeper of the area’s history

The Galt Museum is like a never-ending time machine into the past.

Graham Ruttan, marketing and communications officer, took me through exhibits that ranged from Indigenous history to the creation of the Lethbridge region. Through intricate and creative displays, this museum shows the connections between these communities and how this place came to be the flourishing cultural hub it is.

The St. Michael’s exhibit tells the story of this early hospital in Lethbridge. Infant identification bracelets from the 1940s use thread and beads to create hand-made ID bracelets. One of the ID kits has been preserved as it was found.

Suggested Readings:

• #ExploreLethbridge – Endless Summer in Play

• #ExploreLethbridge – Adults have fun too

If the soil beneath us could speak, what would it say? Graham wove the thread between various exhibits to give a clear sense of the land’s connection to the community.