The main event of the weekend was a pow wow, a social gathering held by many different North American Indigenous communities, featuring dancing, singing, socializing and feasting together. Damian Azak (Nisga’a Nation), corps leader, Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., carries the Army flag during the Grand Entry, which signals the official opening of the pow wow and calls for dancers to enter the arena.
Fawnda Bullshields (Kainai Nation), head dancer, performs a jingle dress dance.
Dr. Casey Church (Pokagon Band Potawatomi member from southwest Michigan), director of Wiconi International, shares a pipe ceremony.
LeBlanc and Church present Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, with a second eagle feather to add to The Salvation Army’s eagle staff, created for last year’s celebration by Salvationist Michelle Stoney (Gitxsan and Cree First Nations). “That was a highlight for me,” says Commissioner McMillan. “They’re recognizing us for the efforts we’re making at reconciliation.” “I would never have dreamed, even 20 years ago, that The Salvation Army would participate in a pow wow like this,” says LeBlanc. “This exceeds the expectations we might have had about what it would look like for a denomination or tradition of the church to participate in this kind of event. I’m amazed and appreciative of what’s happening here.”
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