VYPER Reclaiming Youth Contest Pow Wow
Dates: July 11–13, 2025
Join us for a vibrant celebration at the VYPER Reclaiming Youth Contest Pow Wow- a three-day gathering dedicated to honoring First Nation traditions, celebrating community, and embracing the spirit of "Reclaiming Youth" on the historic grounds of St. Marys Residential School.
VYPER- Visionary Youth Peers for Equity and Revitalization is a youth-governed group for urbanized and non-urbanized Indigenous youth in the provincial BC area. Based out of Matsqui / Abbotsford Impact Society, a diverse team of Indigenous youth looks to foster the revitalization of Indigenous culture for all first peoples in the BC area. We have been operating since January 2022.
Our vision is a world where Indigenous youth feel connected to and empowered by their ancestral roots; where all Indigenous young people across Turtle Island are equipped to take action towards the resurgence and preservation of their Nations’ traditions.
Host Drums:
- Bad Eagle Singers
- Red Hawk Express
Invited drums
🎶 Young Bear – Mandaree, ND
🎶 Walking Buffalo - (Big River, Saskatchewan)
🎶 Mountain Kree – Maskwacis, AB
ALL drums welcomed- day pay for all.
Arena Director:
Devin Bellerose
Whipman: Charlie Little Bear Michell
Emcees:
- Qaqawam Chris Wells
- Mike Sanchez
Grand Entry:
Friday, July 11: 7PM
Saturday Morning: “MOST NDN CAR CONTEST PARADE” 10:30AM-11:30AM
Saturday, July 12: 1PM & 7PM
Sunday, July 13: 1PM
Contest for all Juniors, Teens, Adults, & Golden Age
Juniors (6-12): $200, $100, $50
Teens (13-17): $300, $200, $100
Adults (18-54): $500, $400, $300
Golden Age Combined (55+): $500, $400, $300
Payment for all drums- all drums welcomed to set up
Confirmed Specials:
Men’s Traditional Special (Ethan Thevarge Mens Traditional 18+ Honouring Residential School Survivors & Honouring The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Home, $800, $600, $400)
Mens Grass Special 13+ (Blaine Family Coming Out, $500, $300, $100, $50, $50)
Blaine Family Tiny Tot Special
Bruyere Family Specials
Junior Boys Combined / Nicco Bruyere Coming out Ceremony
Teen Girls Fancy Shawl / Carly Bruyere Outgoing Princess
Giveaway Following
Tiny Tot Special - Arrow Little Warrior Out Going
VYPER Specials
Jingle Side Step Healing Dance (16+)
"Calling all jingle dancers 16+ to join a side step healing dance"Friday night, consolation for all
Teens Categories Team Dance (13-17) ($1000)
For The Love of Old Style Shootout ($1000 for each 1st place winner + consolation prizes) Old Style Womans Fancy, Jingle, Grass & Mens Original Traditional
Dancing Our Way Home: ($600, $300, $200)
Honouring those who are or were in the foster system
“MOST NDN CAR CONTEST PARADE” - Open to all + contest points
Saturday AM on PW Grounds, Contest points + ($1000, $800, $600, $400)
Musical Chairs Champ: $500 + jacket
SNL Best Dressed Drum Group
ONE MAN Hand Drum Contest ($500 winner take all)
Sunday Funday Specials announced at pw
Info:
Princess Pageant (7-17 years)
Little Warrior (2-7 years old)
Sign Language Interpreter @Saturday night session
Cooling tents on site
Camping/RV allowed - No RV hookups on site
Vendor Applications Closed
Power available for vendors
Free showers, pool & sauna @Mission Recreation Center
Contact: Marcella Sunshine 778779291/
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(copy & paste into your browser)
https://www.powwows.com/advice-for-first-time-pow-wow-visitors-from-pow-wow-dancers-and-singers/
SPONSORS/GRANTERS
Enbridge
BCLC
Public Health Agency of Canada
Vendors Info:
UPDATE: ALL VENDOR SPOTS FILLED.
Vendor Contact: Helena May -
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Want to volunteer? We could use the help! Fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4Zh7Fe5e3TdiPIBO52i_F7R-ryuzjPKJbSaB0536O0ItBBw/viewform
We look forward to seeing you at our 4th Annual VYPER Reclaiming Youth Contest Pow Wow!
Contact: Marcella Sunshine/7787792918
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VYPER
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