Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association offering classes this fall
The Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association will be starting up some new classes and programs this fall. The monthly family nights, hosted by WACA, are back to create a space where families can gather and share what they have learned.
The annual round dance and powwow will also return this year, with Tatawâw Park the new location of the powwow this year. The powwow this summer celebrated the renaming of Tatawâw Park and coincided with National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and WACA hopes to continue to build the event even further.
WACA also has two classes planned, both of which are open to all members of the association.
The first is a drum group, taught by knowledge keeper Dickie Yuzicapi. Traditionally, drumming is a craft for boys to master, but this class will be open to any girls who would like to learn the art as well — or those who are interested in being singers alongside the drums. The second class will be a women’s shawl making class, which will be working at an intermediate to advanced beading level. Knowledge of beading techniques is required, as beginner skills may not suffice for the class’s pace.
More classes, such as ribbon skirt making or beginner beading, are always of interest but WACA is in need of volunteers to make classes like that available.
Lori Deets, board chair of the association, would like to see more interest and membership for WACA. More members make events more possible, while also bringing the community together.
“We are particularly looking for Indigenous membership, although we would never turn anyone away,” said Deets in an email with the Express. “Getting involved with your community is the best way to make a difference.”
WACA has been operating in the community for over 10 years, and the group is always looking to expand. “Our current membership has worked very hard in the last couple of years,” said Deets. “We need more help to be able to add more classes and teachings, so come out and get involved.”
Getting involved with the association is easy, said Deets. The group’s Facebook page is kept up to date and is an easy way to connect with the association for more details about what they are up to next.
WACA is also holding its Annual General Meeting on Sept. 12 at their office space in The Wandering Market, beginning at 6 p.m. with a pizza supper. The AGM will follow. WACA members — new, old, and potential — are welcome to join.