While you're watching the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow on PowWows.com this weekend, be sure to look for this wonderful young lady!
Tia Wood, 17 years old from the Saddle Lake First Nation, has been chosen as Head Young Lady Dancer at the annual pow wow, one of the largest in the world.
“I've only dreamt of that kind of position,” said Wood. “They choose only one young lady and one young man throughout all of Canada and the U.S. It feels pretty good. I didn't think I would ever get this opportunity,” she said.
She's also planning to do a special tribute at GON:
She'll be joined by more than 150 dancers, all wearing red dresses, as she performs an old-style jingle dance in a traditional dress she made with her mom's help.
“I was inspired to do this because of the Red Dress Project. They hang red dresses in public places as a visual reminder of all the missing and murdered Indigenous women,” she said.
Her mother will be one of those wearing a red dress alongside her in the dance, which she says is all about healing.
“Myself being a residential school survivor, this dancing and singing has had a tremendous [effect] on my wellness,” her mom said.
This should be a powerful and special dance. Make sure you tune in to the livestream this weekend and watch all the specials!
Gathering of Nations takes place April 27th-29th on the pow wow grounds at the Tingley Coliseum / Expo NM in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Check out http://www.gatheringofnations.com for more information.
Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Paul G
