The Lead by Example Powwow is back in Strathmore for another year.
Melodie Ayoungman started the event after her 19-year-old son, Kristian Kakato’si Ayoungman, was killed in 2019 outside Strathmore.
Ayoungman explained how the event got its name.
"He signed my niece's chalk wall; he wrote the words 'Lead By Example' and signed his name on there."
She said she wanted to promote understanding of Indigenous communities and ensure the powwow continued.
"When this first happened with Kristian, that's when all my grandparents' teachings kicked in, and I kind of foresaw that the media wanted to talk to me, but I told them no, go talk to his coaches. I didn't want this to turn into where our communities were fighting amongst each other or hating one another. I didn't want any violence," said Ayoungman.
"In doing so, I thought of my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, our communities, our future generations, and I knew that we have to do something for our communities with that missing history that's not being taught about First Nations, and that's where experience and racism stems from - the lack of understanding."
This is the fourth year the event has run in partnership with the Town of Strathmore.
"It means a lot, because it shows that people are interested. People want to learn from people. People are coming together, and that's the important thing that they're coming together. They're seeing the positive side of First Nations," explained Ayoungman.
The Powwow will feature First Nations food, dancing from Indigenous communities across the prairies, vendors, and much more.
The event runs June 6 to 8 at the Strathmore Ag Grounds.
To buy tickets to the event, click here.