Second annual Lead By Example Powwow takes over Ag Grounds

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The second annual Lead By Example Powwow was hosted at the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society grounds, June 7-9, inviting both the local community, and folks from across North America. 

“I am really feeling many emotions because sometimes I am wondering if I am in a dream still, but I know the reality of today is the people came,” said Melodie Ayoungman, CEO of the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation. “Build it and they will come, and all along the way through this journey to get to where we are at today, we did not let anything stop us or get in our way. We continued forward and somehow everything started falling into place as we went along.”

Ayoungman added the Foundation this year was able to establish and build relationships with the Cities of Calgary and Chestermere, the Village of Arrowwood, and Century Downs Casino, adding them to the growing list of sponsors for the powwow. 

She explained other grants which were applied for were done so with support from the Town of Strathmore and Siksika Nation. 

“I had teary eyes and my thoughts were finally here today and we did it and the people are here,” said Ayoungman. “We didn’t just start on Friday (June 7), we started as soon as the powwow ended last year. We were approached by everyone if we were going to continue and we took that seriously, so we brought it to the Town of Strathmore and Siksika, and they helped to support our family in creating the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation, and that is how we were able to establish working to continue the Lead By Example Powwow.”

This year’s event grew and added to what was previously established in 2023 when the powwow debuted at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre. 

Being hosted at the Ag Society grounds, Indian Relays were able to be held, amongst other events in addition to the dancing. 

Vastly more space was suddenly available for guests, athletes, food trucks, performances and more. This, Ayoungman said, was a priority following the success of the previous powwow. 

“Last year, there was a building capacity limit, and there were so many people who came from all over, from British Columbia, from the United States, and some were being turned away … they would inbox me and say they were there but they couldn’t get in and I felt sad because they had traveled a long way and it takes money and time to do that from such far places,” she said. “For powwows, you do not turn anyone away. Everyone is welcome, powwows are for everybody, and so when we were moving forward, we wanted to make sure that we let the people know that we were working with – the Town of Strathmore and Siksika – that we needed a bigger place.”

She added the Foundation is already looking at new ideas and new considerations for continuing to make the powwow a success next year.