Celebrating a Successful Powwow – Thank You from AFCC
A Day of Healing, Unity, and Resounding Success: Our Deepest Gratitude for the 2nd Annual Red Dress Powwow!
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) is filled with immense gratitude and joy as we reflect on the overwhelming success of our 2nd Annual MMEIP Red Dress Traditional Powwow, held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Big Four Roadhouse. The day was a powerful testament to community spirit, with a massive turnout joining us to honour Murdered, Missing, and Exploited Indigenous Peoples (MMEIP) in a sacred space dedicated to remembrance, cultural celebration, and collective healing.
The atmosphere throughout the day was profoundly moving, filled with the vibrant energy of our dancers, the resonant heartbeat of the drums, and the shared commitment to healing and solidarity. It was a day where stories were honoured, traditions were uplifted, and the strength of our community shone brightly. We are so grateful to everyone who attended and helped create such a supportive and respectful environment for all.
An event of this significance and scale is only possible through the collective efforts and generous support of many. We extend our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to:
- Our Community Members & Allies: Your presence and participation were the true spirit of the day. Thank you for sharing in this vital gathering.
- Our Generous Sponsors: Your invaluable support enabled us to host this meaningful event and provide a welcoming space for all.
- Our Esteemed Dignitaries: We were honoured by your presence and insightful words. Thank you to Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Rachelle Venne (Esquao, Institute for Advancement of Aboriginal Women), Tyler White Pup (First Nations Health Consortium), Karen Young (United Way), Patricia Jones (Calgary Homeless Foundation), Tiffany Pompana (Inn From the Cold), Umida Sobirova (Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth), and Lindsie Bruns (The Confluence) for joining us.
- Our Masterful MCs: A special thank you to Dr. Kent Ayoungman and Sayder Duck Chief for guiding us through the day with such warmth, wisdom, and engaging energy, and to Sarah Good Medicine for her poignant hosting of the Honorary Tribute and Giveaway.
- Our Incredible Drummers: The powerful songs from our Host Drum, the Blackfoot Drummers, and our invited Drum Groups – Blackfoot Confederacy, North Stone, Pipestem, Stoney Nakoda, and Sings Many Songs Women – provided the sacred heartbeat for our gathering.
- Our Talented Dancers: From the joyful Tiny Tots to our honoured Golden Age Dancers, and all the Junior, Teen, and Adult dancers in every category – your skill, spirit, and dedication were truly inspiring to witness.
- Our Valued Vendors: Thank you for sharing your beautiful Indigenous art, crafts, and goods, adding so much richness to the event.
- The Entire AFCC Team – Staff & Volunteers: Your tireless dedication, passion, and hard work behind the scenes and on the ground were the backbone of this success. From planning and setup to ensuring everyone felt welcome and supported throughout the day, and finally, the cleanup – your commitment was extraordinary.
The 2nd Annual MMEIP Red Dress Traditional Powwow was more than just an event; it was a profound expression of community, a step forward in our collective healing journey, and a powerful act of remembrance. We are so proud of what we achieved together.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this day so memorable. We are already looking forward with great anticipation to gathering with you all again next year!