A Salmon Arm summer tradition concluded for the season with a celebration of First Nation traditions.
For the finale of the 2025 Wednesday on the Wharf (WOW) concert series, the hosts the Salmon Arm Arts Centre (SAAC) and Rise Up Indigenous Wellness welcomed the All My Relations First Nations Dance Group to the Marine Peace Park gazebo stage.
The evening began with introductions by SAAC's WOW program manager Astrid Varnes, followed by Secw茅pemc storyteller Kenthen Thomas, who first urged attendees to visit the nearby tables where Rise Up volunteers were serving chili. Thomas was then joined by All My Relations to perform a welcome song.
With the 'mini PowWOW' (as it was billed) underway, All My Relations' Bernice Jensen introduced the rest of the troupe, consisting of family from Vernon and Kamloops and of the Secw茅pemc and Syilx Nations. The evening continued with Jensen introducing each dance with an explanation of their history and purpose. Dances were accompanied by singing and drumming from the stage.
The evening concluded with attendees joining the dancers in front of the stage for a friendship dance.
