The annual Simpcw Pow Wow honouring young women in late April was well attended, featuring special traditional dances performed by friends and family members in memory of Elders Margaret Joseph and Sam Saul.
Joseph, mother of former Simpcw chief, Shelly Loring, was a beloved community member who often danced for special events performing the berry picking dance, which Loring performed to honour her during the Pow Wow this year.
Elder Sam Saul, also fondly remembered by so many, most often performed the men’s traditional dance at this annual Pow Wow in his signature bright blue, beaded regalia. During this year’s dance his niece, Sandra Eustache danced in respect of her uncle as she performed his traditional dance dressed in her own regalia.
READ MORE https://ronaldomanosa.com/community/simpcw-set-to-host-20th-annual-honouring-our-young-women-powwow/
In a recent interview with the Barriere ronaldomanosa, one of the event’s organizers, Shelley Frank, shared some significant memories of both Joseph and Saul.
“Sam was a long supporter of the Pow Wow and he actually ran the Pow Wow. I know I really felt his absence at this Pow Wow and we haven’t had one for three years. He was the one that blessed the event and smudged the hall each year. I really missed his presence this year. We didn’t even have to ask him; he would just do it. He was like that for many other events. He would always dance the men’s traditional dance.”
Frank also commented on how she watched Margaret Joseph dance during events for many years and they both became friends working together in the finance department at Simpcw. She commented on the beautiful prints commemorating both Elders by band member and artist, Cinnamon Lampreau.
“Cinnamon is very talented and gifted these prints to the families during the Pow Wow.”
Organizers were surprised and pleased by the unexpected turn out at this year’s event with participants travelling from Lillooet, the Shuswap, Clearwater and the Okanagan.
Saul was a well-known drum maker and along with other prizes awarded to dancers, one of his hand-made drums was also gifted during the events.
Frank described the history of the event to honour not only young women, but all women from birth to elders. “It’s a way to honour women of all ages with traditional dance, foods and visiting. It was a great success.”
