Youth powwow practice and drumming lessons for young people ages 12 to 18 will soon be provided by Creating Hope Society in Edmonton.
The lessons will run every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Edmonton Intercultural Centre at 107th Avenue and 95 Street starting Sept. 14th.
This is one of the first activities being held by the Creating Hope Society under its ‘Let’s Speak Cree’ program.
Bernadette Iahtail is the executive director of the Creating Hope Society. She is thankful for the funding they received to be able to provide this program for the youth.
Cassidy Halcrow is the facilitator and says it’s nerve-racking for youth learning how to dance or drum.
Iahtail says it’s been challenging, especially during COVID times and having to follow health and safety protocols.
Iahtail says there will be a mixture of young people and family members that will be interested in coming to the lessons. Some are coming back to powwow dancing and some want to learn about their culture, while others want to sing and be in a drum group. She says this is a great opportunity for them to learn.
The dancing practice and drumming practice will happen together in the gym.
There will be a limit of about 30 people and all COVID-19 protocols, including hand sanitizing and the wearing of masks in the building will be required. Participation will be on a first come first serve basis.
Further information can be found on their website, creatinghopesociety.ca