Multinational powwow in the North planned for 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, BC — Dale Bumstead, President of Scion Strategies Ltd. and former Mayor of Dawson Creek, presented the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) with a vision for a Western Canada cultural event in the region.

The event was to be a multinational powwow, tea dance and handball tournament held at the Dawson Creek Ovintiv Event Centre in September 2025.

At the July 18 board meeting, Bumstead said he has been working with First Nations including Doig River, West Moberly and more to host a first-ever major event as an opportunity to promote the culture of the Treaty 8 people, provide education and build relationships.

“It’s really about promoting the culture of the Treaty 8 people and the First Nations neighbours in the region,” Bumstead said.

“The opportunity to promote culture for and on behalf of the vision of the nations and to open the eyes and opportunities of citizens to promote that culture is something that has really become apparent in recent years.”

“It shows the importance of the core values ​​of the land, the environment and the animals that are so important to First Nations.”

The event is still in the early planning stages and a grant application is being processed by the South Peace Mackenzie Trust.

Bumstead has already presented his proposal to Dawson Creek City Council and has voiced his support for the former mayor, believing in the importance of promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Indigenous heritage.

Dawson Creek council also says they will waive the rent for the Ovintiv Centre, which amounts to “a donation of approximately $35,000.”

Ovintiv has also sent out a pledge of support for the event and is donating $40,000.

Bumstead praised the board for building relationships with First Nations.

“I believe each of you have demonstrated that you are willing to sit at the leadership table and build that relationship in a positive, good way,” Bumstead said.

The event is also described as a tourism opportunity to attract visitors from across the province and the country.

Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen expressed her support and enthusiasm for the event, saying tourism needs to be improved and expanded.

She encouraged Bumstead to expand his plans and create tourism opportunities for other communities in the Peace region.

“I still believe that what is good for my neighbors is also good for me,” Hansen said.

Bumstead said the presentation would be followed up by the submission of a $100,000 grant application to the PRRD to support the event.

Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille described the event as a unique opportunity and encouraged Bumstead to make a grand entrance.

“Some of these events are so amazing that you go back to your own community; the people who are there take it back to their own community, see all the colors, the dancing, the drumming and everyone involved in a powwow,” Courtoreille said.