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Kamloopa Pow Wow 2014The 2014 Kamloopa Pow Wow, held annually in Kamloops, British Columbia is a wonderful opportunity to witness and celebrate the vibrant culture of the First Nations.

Held August 1st through the 3rd, 2014, the Kamloopa Pow Wow is one of the biggest celebrations of First Nations’ heritage in Western Canada. Held alongside the South Thompson River in Kamloops at the Secwepemc Pow Wow Grounds, the Kamloopa Pow Wow is 3 exciting days of song, dance, and traditional regalia expressing years of stories and events of the First Nations’ people.

Around 20,000 attendees – both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – are expected to attend this exciting three-day event. So … just what exactly is the Kamloopa Pow Wow?

In many ways, the Kamloopa Pow Wow is reminiscent of a fair or rodeo, with all the pageantry, stands of food and craft vendors, participants and their families readying for performances, all the dust, noise, excitement, and, of course, the beautiful First Nations regalia, dancing, and music.

For those thinking of attending their first Pow Wow, here are a few tips to make your experience the fun and pleasant one it should be:

Pow Wow dancers work very hard on their traditional regalia – and that’s what they prefer it to be called. “Costume” may roll off the tongue more easily but it also has a bit of an insulting ring, like they’re just playing around. They’re not.

Always ask before taking pictures outside of where the Pow Wow is occurring. Inside the Pow Wow, you will be told when using your camera is acceptable.

If you’re attending the Pow Wow, you’re also expected to participate – this doesn’t mean you have to dance (but hey, you can during the Inter-Tribal, so don’t be bashful) but when it is time to stand or take off your hat, please be respectful and follow along.

Finally, be sure to drink lots of water. The Kamloopa Pow Wow is happening in August, don’t forget, and toppling over with heat exhaustion would put a decided damper on your experience.

The 35th Annual Kamloopa Pow Wow

August 1st – 3rd, 2014
Special Events Facility
No. 5 Yellowhead Hwy., Kamloops BC
For further details on attending the 2014 Kamloopa Pow Wow, please visit the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc website.

Kamloopa Pow Wow Lodging
If you hope to attend the 2014 Kamloopa Pow Wow, do yourself a favor and stay in one of our member, Central Okanagan bed and breakfast inns – the amenities, delicious breakfasts, and personal service can’t be beat! The Central Okanagan area has over 40 world-renowned wineries, as well as numerous golf courses, ski resorts, galleries, museums, shopping destinations and more – not to mention acres of pristine sand beaches and lush farmland. Come on over and explore!