Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adel Ahmed

KAMLOOPA POWWOW

‘It’s a really good feeling’: Kamloopa Powwow Society President reflects on 3-day event

Aug 6, 2023 | 3:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — The 42nd annual Kamloopa Powwow was filled with thousands at the Arbor on Tk’emlups Powwow grounds. A three-day event filled with music, dancing and vendors to display their artwork for everyone to see.

One of those vendors that had their artwork on display is Brandon Joe. The Merritt-based vendor has been coming to the Kamloopa Powwow since 2002. Through the years, he’s displayed a variety of items that he beads by peyote stitching.

“It’s one bead at a time and there’s so many things you can make,” Joe told CFJC Today. “I’ve seen people cover salt and pepper shakers, bead lamps, brush handles. You can almost do anything.”

Joe has been beading since 1998. 26 years later, he draws inspiration from beading through other vendors at the Powwow. “If I’m not set up I will look around and see what other people are doing and how I can make that my idea in a different way. I’m always looking for new ideas.”

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Through the music and performances, people from Kamloops and across North American experiencing the Powwow is something both Joe and the Kamloopa Powwow Society appreciate.

“As a first nations people we’ve always had celebrations so bringing people to the Secwepemc territory it’s a really good feeling to be able to host people,” said Delyla Daniels, President of the Kamloopa Powwow Society.” We want people to come to our territory and feel welcome.”

The Kamloopa Powwow committee say the Powwow will take place on the last week of June starting next year.