Photos and Article by Tyrone Sitting Eagle
From November 14–16, 2025, the first-ever Interagency Powwow took place—an important milestone that came from Powwow that happened earlier this year in January. At the Powwow organizer and coordinator at White Buffalo, Frank Sitting Eagle, hired Elijah Provost as an arena director. Frank and Elijah later spent time developing the idea of a collaborative powwow at the Aissk Siniistotowa Powwow, held January 3–4, 2025, where they discussed bringing their departments together to host a full-scale event.
After those discussions, Frank and Elijah sought and secured approval and funding. Once approved, Frank Sitting Eagle and Curtis Running Rabbit co-chaired, planned, and organized the powwow, which received support from Siksika White Buffalo, Piikani, and Children Services.
Planning moved quickly and the team chose Exhibition Park in Lethbridge, Alberta as the venue. The powwow surpassed expectations: it featured 15 registered drums plus their host drum and welcomed over 500 registered dancers, with competitors traveling from as far as Arizona to take part in a variety of specials and dance categories.
A major highlight was the employment of 15 Siksika Nation members—including Sheldon Scalplock Jr., Kent Ayoungman, members of the Men’s Warrior Program, and the Women’s Support Group—who worked as event staff and helpers. To ensure accessibility for Elders, transportation was provided on Saturday and Sunday for those who wanted to attend.
In conclusion, the Interagency Powwow was an outstanding success. It created a meaningful opportunity to welcome dancers from across North America into the Blackfoot Confederacy to experience champion-level singing and dancing. Overall, it was a well-organized, memorable event with a bright future ahead.
