Kamloopa Powwow to take place as scheduled next weekend

KAMLOOPS – After days of deciding whether or not to cancel the Kamloopa Powwow due to the wildfire situation, organizers confirm the event will take place as scheduled.

Delyla Daniels, president of the Kamloopa Powwow Society, says in a news release that since the people of Williams Lake and surrounding areas have been given the green light to head home, the 38th annual Powwow will move forward.

The Society, along with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc council, came to the decision this afternoon, July 27. The event will take place at the Powwow Grounds from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc opened the Powwow grounds to wildfire evacuees, providing a place to camp, along with food and showers.

The Society and Council plan to accommodate the remaining evacuees and ensure their guests coming for the Powwow will still have available space for camping.

"By moving forward, in no way does the Kamloopa Powwow Society make light of the seriousness of the B.C. wildfires," organizers say in the release. "Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and its members will continue to support even throughout the event. Prior to the event, the Society will conduct a ceremony to offer prayers for the evacuees and safe travels for the people coming to our Tk’emlúps territory."

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