Once again, Angel Sampson is gearing up to host another Yellow Wolf Intertribal Powwow.
Sampson has been a part of organizing the powwow, which has seen visitors come from all over Western Canada and the U.S. since its inception.
“This year we’ll have dancers and visitors from all over Alberta, Washington State, Idaho and all over B.C.,” said Sampson, adding that 2013 marks the 20th year the powwow has taken place.
Sampson, who hails from the Tsartlip First Nation, started the powwow to commemorate her mother, Alice Moody Sampson, who was from the Nez Perce tribe of Idaho. When she moved to the West Coast in 1933, she gave up her own culture and converted to her husband’s Coast Salish way of life.
The Yellow Wolf powwow practises the Coast Salish tradition of welcoming visitors onto their lands, while introducing people to the Nez Perce ways.
“It’s a great social event and anyone is welcome to attend,” said Sampson.
The Yellow Wolf Powwow, which a free event, includes dance competitions, a variety of entertainment, vendors and food.
“The public is also welcome to camp on the Tsartlip fairgrounds during the weekend,” Sampson said, adding that Saturday will be the most action packed day at Tsartlip.
The Yellow Wolf Intertribal Powwow starts Friday at 7 p.m. and runs Saturday and Sunday at the Tsartlip First Nation fairground at 800 Stelly’s X Rd. in Brentwood Bay.
Those attending should come prepared with chairs or a blanket as the bleachers often fill up, Sampson said.
For more information, email Sampson at idahoangel1920@hotmail.com.