Cochrane residents are invited to attend the first ever local Building Relationships Traditional Pow Wow.

Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Goodstoney First Nation and the Town of Cochrane have teamed up for the event on Saturday, Sept. 30.

"It's an opportunity to learn about Pow Wows, about Stoney Nakoda history, and to meet people. It's all about building relationships, getting to know one another and learning about what a Pow Wow is so that down the road Cochrane people can attend the Pow Wows out in other areas." said town councillor Susan Flowers. 

"People are excited and anxious to learn, they're thirsty for knowledge and building relationships with our Stoney Nakoda neighbours who have been very involved in this whole process."  

The Pow Wow will consist of a full day of activities on Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Event goers can enjoy traditional dancing such as the Fancy Dance, the Buckskin Dance and the Grass Dancer.

There will be singers performing original songs in traditional languages. 

Food trucks and various Indigenous artisan market vendors will be on-site.

Orange shirts will be available for purchase. 

Free COLT bus service will be offered throughout the day as on-site parking at Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) Centre will be limited. 

Admission is free and participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable or cash donation to the Mini Thni Food Bank. The Cochrane Helping Hands Society will be on-site to collect donations. 

The event goes from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SLS Centre. 

You can find more information about the event HERE. 

Sept. 30 will mark the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day when many people will wear orange to recognize the legacy of the Canadian residential school system.

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