A message from Chief and Council

Re: Pow Wow Grounds

May 4, 2010

RAMA – Chief and Council are pleased to announce that Rama First Nation plans to establish permanent outdoor Pow Wow and Ceremonial Grounds in the community. This project was identified as a key cultural priority in the 2005-2006 Ten Year Community Vision report, an extensive survey produced with input from the entire membership. The Community Cultural Advisory Circle (CCAC) and Pow Wow committees, having reviewed their priorities and budget for the next few years, made this recommendation to leadership and are pleased to be moving forward with this long held community goal at this time.

Rama First Nation has enjoyed hosting the Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving Pow Wows for many years but weather issues dictated that these celebrations be held indoor in our MASK arena.

Rama is looking towards holding an outdoor event in our proposed new permanent grounds. In order to begin the transition towards an August Pow Wow event, we will be holding a final Thanksgiving Pow Wow on October 9^th

and 10^th this year. The Mothers Day Pow Wow will not be held in 2010. Our Culture Department, Pow Wow Committee and Community Cultural Advisory Circle will begin to focus on planning for the new venue. We look forward to welcoming our many visitors to our new permanent grounds.

Chief and Council would like to acknowledge the many community members who attended meetings over this past year and provided input into this decision. Recommendations made to leadership were arrived at after much deliberation by the Pow Wow Committee and the Community Cultural Advisory Circle.

A meeting of the Pow Wow Committee is planned for May 12^th, Community Room, MASK. at 12.00 noon. Everyone is welcome. Lunch will be provided.