Ranch Ehrlo Society hosts annual powwow to celebrate Indigenous culture and youth

WATCH: To celebrate Indigenous culture and the youth they represent, Ranch Ehrlo Society hosted its annual powwow. Mick Favel has more.

The Ranch Ehrlo Society hosted its annual powwow, which has grown in the number of participants and spectators over the past eight years.

The event is intended to celebrate Indigenous culture, as well as the youth and families they work with and represent.

“For our young people, this is just an incredible opportunity for them to come out and showcase some of their skills,” said Natalie Huber, the CEO & president of Ranch Ehrlo Society.

As of 2023, over 75 per cent of the youth in Ranch Ehrlo Society’s group living program identify as Indigenous descent.

Jamie Lerat is the Indigenous advisor at Randi Ehrlo Society. She said representation of Indigenous culture does have a positive influence impact on the youth they work with.

“The youth are starting to stand much more taller. They are starting to feel much more prouder,” she said.

“To be able to answer those questions - where did I come from? Where am I going? What is my purpose, and who am I?” she concluded.

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This year, more than 160 dancers registered, along with nearly 10 drum groups. Youth made up a significant portion of both.

Over the years, the event has drawn in surrounding organizations, partners and new people making it a well-rounded community event.

“This event helps us bring that relationship that much stronger. To be able to give back to the community,” Lerat said.

In a few weeks, Ranch Ehrlo Sociery will receive an event review, with points to make next year’s powwow better.