Reconciliation-based powwow starts with walk Friday from Chilliwack Secondary School

A reconciliation-based powwow is scheduled for September-October 30. 1 at Chilliwack High School with a parade starting at 10 am on Friday, September 30 from the school.

Organizer Rick Joe said they expect 1,000 people from across the region to attend the two-day health and fitness powwow at the high school gym, which will kick off with an Orange Shirt Day parade kicking off Sept. 30.

The parade route was planned with city officials and starts from the school at 10 a.m. Friday with a stop at Central Community Park at 10:20 a.m. They will be decorating floats at the school beginning at 9 a.m.

The return of the powwow at Chilliwack Secondary, with the powerful presence of drummers, singers and dancers, will allow everyone to witness First Nations culture and ceremonies.

“The drum is the heartbeat of our people, both the bass drum and the hand drum. We have indigenous people from all over Turtle Island who live in the Fraser Valley. Reconciliation is the act of doing something that provides a safe place for everyone to learn and experience the culture,” Joe told The Progress.

The Chilliwack City Council recently approved a $10,000 contribution to the event kicking off National Truth and Reconciliation Day to help cover costs by funding community development initiatives.

“This initiative meets the mayor’s and council’s strategic goal of supporting accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and truth and reconciliation, while fostering community spirit, attracting…