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Tipi Village Comes to Ponoka During Stampede Week
As part of National Indigenous History Month, the Town of Ponoka has partnered with the Ponoka Stampede Association, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe and the Montana First Nation to present Tipi Village in Ponoka on June 27 – July 3 from 12 – 6 p.m. daily.
During Stampede week, multiple tipis, food trucks and an Indigenous craft market will be set-up in the ball diamonds behind the Ponoka Arena Complex (4410 54 Street).
Visitors will have the opportunity to journey through and explore each of the tipis, while experiencing Indigenous storytelling, artwork, cuisine and culture.
There is no entry fee to attend Tipi Village and free parking is available along 45 Avenue Crescent and in the Ponoka Arena Complex parking lot. To access the Ponoka Arena Complex parking lot, please head north on 45 Avenue Crescent and turn east and drive along the gravel lane which connects to the parking lot. The entrance is across from St. Augustine School.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Tipi Village events each day will include (weather dependent):
- 12 – 1 p.m. Opening remarks and protocol
- 1 – 3 p.m. A Pow Wow showcase featuring traditional drumming, singing and dancing
- 3 – 4 p.m. Elders greetings from neighbouring Indigenous nations.
“The Town of Ponoka is very excited to be hosting the Tipi Village event in our community during the week of Stampede. June is National Indigenous History Month and this event is a great opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and traditions,” said Mayor Kevin Ferguson.
The Tipi Village will kick off with an opening ceremony on Monday, June 27 at 12 p.m. with a Pow Wow showcase, remarks from neighbouring Indigenous nations and a Council representative from the Town of Ponoka.
