By Chad Klassen

Skeetchestn Indian Band ready to host 34th Secwepemc Gathering

Aug 17, 2016 | 2:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — Nearly three weeks after the Kamloopa Pow Wow entertained crowds at the Tk’emlups Arbour, the Skeetchestn Indian Band is hosting another celebration this week.

On August 17, a group of paddlers are beginning their journey to Skeetchestn from Barriere along the North Thompson River before everyone is together on Friday, August 19. 

The 34th Secwepemc Gathering at Skeetchestn will kick off Friday night, a similar atmosphere to the Kamloopa Pow Wow, with members of the Shuswap Nation coming together to celebrate their heritage.

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“We have live performances on Friday and Saturday. Great Native singers performing. We have a Friday night youth dance. Hand drumming, drum-making, flint knapping, and a bunch of social activities for young and old,” says Skeetchestn Indian Band Chief Ron Ignace.

The Secwepemc Gathering is open to everyone, and there is free food all this weekend.

“The Shuswap band up in Invermere donated elk, so I drove up there to pick up the elk. We have berries we collected from the mountain, fish, salmon, all kinds of different food we’ll be serving, traditional foods.”

If you’re interesting in taking in this week’s gathering, there is a full list of activities on the Skeetchestn Indian Band’s website.