Silver anniversary for Silver Lake Powwow

Craig Bakay | Aug 30, 2019

One noticeable observation about the Silver Lake Powwow, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend at Silver Lake Provincial Park — not only did there seem to be more people there, there seemed to be an increase in those wearing regalia, some of which was quite spectacular.

“We have 20 new dancers this year, 60 dancers in total,” said ring announcer Danka Brewer.

Pat Crawford, who’s been “volunteering and organizing” since the second one, has an explanation.

“The younger generation are liking regalia,” she said. “My kids were little when we started here (6 and 13).

“Now, my three grandchildren are here.”

Crawford used to run the food booth but now “we just do breakfast and the feast,” leaving the barbecue to others now.

She said she honestly didn’t expect to be celebrating 25 years when they started out.

“I thought it would be nice to see it last this long but I never thought it would,” she said.

When asked about memories over the years, she said: “There are too many memories for one to stand out.

“But when you’re here, you’re closer to the people who’ve passed on. Their spirits are here.”

She mentioned Dorothy and Frank Antoine, Clair and Lyle Crawford, Harold Perry, Larry and Nancy McDermott, Willie Bruce, Marie Knapp, AnnMarie Wilson and Running Wolf as people who have been instrumental in the Powwow in the past.

Trudi Knapp came on “about the fourth one,” I think.

“There are others I’m sure, but those are the ones I’m remembering now,” she said.

She said one of the biggest, and most welcome changes happened just a couple of years ago, when the Park waived the rental fee for the space.

“We used to have to raise $1,200 for the rental,” she said. “We did a lot of meat draws but usually only managed about $1,000.

“But now, we’re able to have admission by donation and that’s really helped.

“We try as hard as we can to make this a traditional powwow and that means not being commercial.

“Anything we raise goes to the dancers and drummers and we welcome everybody — Native and non-Native.”

Although, when pressed, Crawford did offer some memories on a lighter note.

Several years ago, the Powwow was held at the other end of the Park, and drainage was an issue.

“It was a swamp,” she said. “One year it rained everyday and there was water up to your knees.”

“The kids enjoyed it,” said Ron Hollywood, another long-time volunteer and organizer. “They were playing in it and some were body surfing in the mud.”

For Crawford, the longevity of the Powwow is an encouraging sign, one she hopes will continue for many years to come.

“A lot have passed on and we’re honouring them,” she said. “They planted the seed and we’re helping it to grow.

“I just hope that when we’re gone, people will carry on and help us to come back in spirit.”