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 and adaptation 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
🎶 Eyahey Nakoda – Morley, AB
🎶 Bad Canyon – Wellpinit, WA
🎶 Mountain Kree – Maskwacis, AB
ALL drums welcomed- day pay for all.
Arena Director:
- TBA
Emcees:
- Qaqawam Chris Wells
- Mike Sanchez
Grand Entry:
Friday, July 11: 7PM
Saturday, July 12: 1PM & 7PM
Sunday, July 13: 1PM
Contest for all Juniors, Teens, Adults, & Golden Age
Drum Contest & Dance Contest details TBA
Confirmed Specials:
- Mens Grass (18+) / Blaine Family Coming Out
- Tiny Tot Special / Blaine Family Coming Out
- Women's Double Bustle Special / Marcella Sunshine & GeeGee Palmer
- "BRUYERE FAMILY SPECIALS"
Coming out Ceremony for Nicco Bruyere
Family sponsoring JUNIOR BOYS COMBINED SPECIAL.
OUTGOING PRINCESS SPECIAL, Carly Bruyere
Family sponsoring Teen Girls Fancy Shawl SPECIAL.
Give away following.
Ethan Theverge mens 18+ traditional special honouring residential school survivors and honouring the ones that didn't make it home. ($800, $600, $400)
- VYPER Specials TBA
Info:
- Camping/RVs allowed
- Concession/food trucks on site
- Little Warrior Contest (1-6 years old)
- Princess Pageant Contest (7-17 years old)
- Feast Saturday Night
- Shower Facility 6 minute drive from site, free for all
- Multicultural performances over the weekend
- First time at a pow wow? Check out this site below for your essentials!
(copy & paste into your browser)
https://www.powwows.com/advice-for-first-time-pow-wow-visitors-from-pow-wow-dancers-and-singers/
Vendors Info:
Vendor applications for VYPERs Reclaiming Youth Contest Pow Wow are now live! (July 11-13, 2025).
We welcome vendors of all sorts, including but not limited to: handmade crafts of all kinds, food, beverages & treats, and informational booths for non-profits and local community-serving organizations.
We suggest vendors bring a 10x10 canopy tent to keep protected from the sun. We do not have extra chairs or tents, but we do have tons of youth who would love to help ensure you have everything else you might need over the weekend.
Craft & Art Vendors: $50 per day, $125 for the weekend per 10x10 space.
Food Trucks: $150 per day, with discount available for meal ticket trade.
(copy and paste form below to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9-1nuyzljNAzR42RcGXH51LK0UYYNGdPG-CYflQWzWlNrrA/viewform
Contact: Helena May -
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Want to volunteer? We could use the help! Contact Nicole Provost to learn more-
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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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