okotoks.news

Tag: Schools

  • Okotoks hosts second annual competition powwow

    The weekend gave Okotoks plenty to drum up community spirit.

    Hundreds of people gathered at the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks for the town’s second annual competition powwow.

    The two-day event featured dance and drum contests celebrating Indigenous culture and identity. Dance categories ranged from Tiny Tots to Golden Age competitors 55 and older.

    The drum competition awarded $12,000 for first place, $9,000 for second place and $7,000 for third place. Motown from Red Lake, Minnesota, served as the host drum for the weekend.

    During Saturday’s supper break, an Indigenous high school graduation ceremony was held in partnership with the Foothills School Division. An Indigenous auction was also held Sunday before the second day’s grand entry.

    The Town of Okotoks said the powwow, held shortly before National Indigenous History Month begins in June, reflects its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

  • The Town’s Annual Powwow, Tipi Camp & All-Indigenous Artisan Market return to Okotoks this weekend!

    The artisan market is a fitting place to drum up support for Indigenous creators.

    Indigenous culture, art, music and tradition are taking centre stage in Okotoks this weekend as the Town’s annual Powwow, Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market continues through Sunday, May 31.

    The free event is being held at the Viking Rentals Centre, 204 Community Way. The Powwow and artisan market are indoors in the Infinity Paving Arena and Events Hall. The Tipi Camp is behind the facility in Howard Park, 229 Woodhaven Drive.

    Sunday’s schedule includes the All-Indigenous Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Competition Powwow, with Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

    The event reflects the Town’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts and honours the ceremonial transfer of a Blackfoot-style painted lodge to Mayor Tanya Thorn and Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Vincent by Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers on June 3, 2023. That transfer also marked the introduction of the Town’s first Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market, known as Iitohpoom’op, a Blackfoot word meaning “store.” The program expanded to include a competition Powwow in 2025.

    Visitors can watch dancers and drummers, hear live music, shop for handcrafted goods from Indigenous artisans and purchase food and beverages inside the facility or from food trucks at the north end of the parking lot.

    On-site parking is available in front of the arena and events hall. Overflow parking is available at Foothills Composite High School.

  • Pizza and dance party for Good Shepherd first graders

    The first graders proved they know how to raise the crust and the roof.

    Lori Lloyd’s Grade 1 class at École Good Shepherd School celebrated being named Classroom of the Month with a pizza lunch and dance party.

    The Eagle 100.9 visited the Okotoks classroom with pepperoni, cheese and Hawaiian pizzas. Students sang and danced during the celebration, while some enjoyed several helpings.

    A student’s parent nominated Lloyd’s class for the monthly prize. Each month, one nominated class is randomly selected to receive a free lunch from Tom’s House of Pizza.