Three teepees at the Cowessess First Nation traditional powwow (Submitted by Kerry Benjoe)

By EFN Staff

Photo contest is part of this year’s Sturgeon Lake Powwow

Aug 16, 2024 | 9:34 AM

Most people can’t help but snap a few photos at a powwow, but this weekend one of those photos could be worth a $500 gift card for the SLFN’s Tipi Fuel and Convenience Store.

The Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) is located about 40 minutes north-west of Prince Albert with the powwow kicking off on Friday at 7 p.m.

“We welcome everyone to join us in our special annual cultural celebration,” said Chief Longjohn in a news release. “The powwow is a chance for non-Indigenous people in Prince Albert and the surrounding areas to engage with our traditions, learn about our way of life, and help build stronger, more respectful relationships between our communities.”

This year, the powwow committee announced a special competition for the spectators with its Showcase the Spirit photo contest.

It’s open to anyone in attendance regardless if they are a professional or a hobbyist photographer.

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Like any competition powwow, registration is required. Photographers are asked to email their name to Tina Pelletier at commmunications@pbcn.ca.

Photographers have three days to find their perfect shot or shots and once they do they can submit up to 20 photos in a high resolution JPEG format by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday

All submissions must be emailed to indigenouscreaturecomms@gmail.com with
your name and contact info.

Photos will be judged by:
• Creativity and Originality: How uniquely the photographer captures the
spirit of the powwow.
• Composition and Technical Quality: Clarity, focus, and overall composition
of the image.
• Cultural Significance: How well the photograph represents the cultural
and spiritual essence of the powwow.

Everyone is asked to be mindful of protocols and not take photos during prayers, ceremonies or when asked not to by the organizers or powwow dancers and singers.

If taking photos outside of the powwow arbour ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially Elders, children, or dancers in regalia and be mindful in areas where people may not expect to be photographed in their personal space.

On-site assistance for photographers is available by contacting Tanya Felix at 306- 981-3752.

The top 10 submissions will be chosen by a panel of judges from the SLFN powwow committee, then posted on the SLFN Facebook page for community input.

All submitted photos will be showcased in a separate Facebook album, and may be featured on other media platforms for the public to view.

The winner will be announced next Friday based on the judge scorecards and the online community engagement such as likes, comments and shares.

Photographers retain full rights to their images, but grant SLFN a non-exclusive
license to use them for promotional or communication purposes and they will be properly credited.

Grand entries will take place on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday at 1 p.m.

To get to the powwow, head north from Prince Albert on Highway 2 for 50 kms then turn left at Spruce Home onto Road 355. Follow the signs to the First Nation and continue straight down Sturgeon Lake Road then turn left on Education Road to powwow grounds. https://maps.app.goo.gl/CfrcN2Vvzc6ofvtw7