A special Pow Wow education and Decolonization class hosted by the Cochrane Public Library in partnership with Alberta Landbased Education, which was designed to deepen the public’s understanding of traditional indigenous peoples traditions, and was originally planned to be held on July 12, has been postponed and rescheduled to August 9, the Library announced yesterday.
The Library said it postponed the workshop slated for this Saturday due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Carmen Erison, the Program and Engagement Manager for the Cochrane Public Library, put it more succinctly, "don't plan a program for the last week of stampede," she said.
Erison said that the workshops overlap with other stampede-related events in the community forced some people to cancel their registration and led to a smaller number of people interested in the program. "Due to cancellations and a smaller registration number the Library decided to move this program to a later date so it's not as busy within the community," Erison told the Eagle.
The Cochrane Library had been touting the workshop as an opportunity for residents, both indigenous and non-indigenous, to “deepen their understanding of Pow Wows, their cultural significance, and the protocols that surround the vibrant gatherings.”
“This class is an excellent opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants to learn, share, and connect with the traditions that celebrate Indigenous culture,” the Library wrote on its Facebook page.
"We're really excited to be able to bring this program [to Cochrane]," Erison said. "Moving forward into August 9, I think we will have a much larger group and a more engaging session." Erison said the rescheduling has allowed the Library to host the workshop in the Rotary Lounge, which allows for more people to participate in the workshop than originally planned.
Erison said the workshop will be a "great opportunity" for people to learn more about Pow Wow's and other indigenous traditions and is encouraging people who are interested in attending to register with the Library.
The workshop, called Pow Wow 101 on the Library’s website, has been rescheduled for August 9. It will run from 1:30 to 4:30 pm and is to be held in the Library’s Rotary Lounge. Participation is free of charge, although registration for the event is required on the Library’s website.
