Portraits from the Squamish Powwow 2011

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This past weekend marked the 24th year of the Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow. It was 30 years before that when the annual event had been forced into oblivion as the nation's children were sent to residential schools and the elders passed away.

Sunny Dhillon wrote in Rhythm nation: Squamish youth celebrate tradition with 24th annual powwow [The Globe and Mail]:

In the mid-1980s, [Gloria] Nahanee regularly took her two daughters to events at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. She would occasionally speak with people who remembered the Squamish Nation powwows and encouraged her to start them back up.

She listened...

“I can’t believe it’s 24 years already. After five years, it was like holy cow. And then 10 years. And now it’s like 24th annual? It’s so amazing,” the event organizer said.

The event draws thousands of visitors and performers from across Turtle Island - "a far cry from the inaugural celebration when the performers were essentially [Ms. Nahanee] and her daughters."

Farah Nosh captured beautiful portraits - see the whole set here.

Also, YouTube user cyberska has a number of fantastic videos up, like this one of the Women's Fancy Crowhop:

Top 10 Indigenous Music Events: July 8-10, 2011

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As we head into the heart of the summer music season, there are plenty of Indian gatherings, powwows, and Indigenous musical performances taking place across Turtle Island. 

Here are RPM's Top 10 Indigenous music events to check out this weekend:

1. Joey Stylez July 8 — Hip-hop/pop/crossover kid Joey Stylez rocks the Cobalt in Vancouver, BC. Event info: Hip Hop Balloon Pop

2. Squamish Nation Powwow July 8-10 — the annual Squamish Nation Powwow will be rocking through the weekend. Grand Entry: Friday 7:00pm / Saturday 1pm & 7pm / Sunday 1pm. Event info: Squamish Nation 24th Annual Youth Powwow

3. Beat Nation Live July 9 — Indigenous hip-hop/digital art collective Beat Nation (featuring RPM's own Ostwelve) will be performing in Stanley Park, Vancouver BC. Event info: Beat Nation Live

4. Electric Powwow July 9 — Indigenous DJ crew A Tribe Called Red throws down their latest 'Electric Powwow' night at Babylon Nightclub, in Ottawa, Ontario. This one's celebrating the official release of their amazing remix of "Red Skin Girl". Event poster + info: Electric Powwow July 9th - Red Skin Girl Release

5. Vancouver Island Folk Festival July 8-10 —  Cellist Cris Derksen performs with e.s.l. and singer-songwriter Leela Gilday play the Vancouver Island Folk Festival in the Comox Valley BC. Event info: Vancouver Island Folk 2011 Festival Schedule

6. Winnipeg Folk Festival July 8-10 — Up & coming folk singer Samantha Crain and RPM's own talented singer-songwriter Christa Couture will perform at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Event info: Winnipeg Folk Festival 2011

7. Mariposa Folk Festival July 8-10 — Inuk singer Elisapie Isaac performs throughout the weekend at the Mariposa Folk Festival. Event info: Elisapie Isaac at Mariposa 2011

8. Mohican Pow Wow July 8-10 — The 27th annual Great Mohican Pow Wow will be held place in Loudonville, Ohio.  Event info: Great Mohican Pow-Wow 2011

9. Atlin Music & Arts Festival July 8-10 — Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq and stalwart singer and actor Tom Jackson perform at the Atlin Music & Arts Festival. Event info: Atlin Festival 2011 Lineup

10. Montana Folk Festival July 8-10 — Inuit throat singing duo Nukariik perform at the Montana Folk Festival. Event info: Montana Folk Festival 2011 Lineup

What a weekend! Make sure you get out and enjoy all the great music Indian Country has to offer.

Anything we missed? Hit us up with events and shows in your area: info@rpm.fm