My Week at Treaty Four

By Maddy Montgrand

I go to Treaty Four gathering because I like to watch the different kinds of cultural dancing,uch as fancy, grass dance, and traditional. My favorite is jingle. I also really enjoy the food (especially the bannock burgers), listening to the music, and hanging out with all of my friends. This was not my first year at Treaty Four, but I enjoyed going when I was younger more than I do now. I liked it better when I was younger because our whole school would go; it would be so much fun hanging out with all of my friends from different grades! We did more activities when I was younger like going into the tipi’s, listening to presentations, and playing games like tag or red rover.  

I thought this year was different from others because NAIG gave away clothes and bags to everyone, which I think was a really good idea. This year I didn’t go into any of the tipi’s or make bannock on a stick. I did go to the career tent and I really liked that idea. It was always busy and people were really taking the time to learn about the possible job ideas for their future.

I also spent most of my time walking around the grounds with my friends. I saw buses, drums, elders, and dancers dressed in their beautiful regalia. I tasted the bannock, iced tea, and candy apples. My favorite part of the day was playing tug of war with Shantel, Gordie, and Chloe. I also played volleyball, drank hot chocolate, sat on the bleachers, and froze to death! I smelled sweet grass, fire, and lake water.

To end off the day I interviewed Mrs. Smith, one of my old teachers from elementary school. I was really nervous because I wasn’t that prepared. It was actually sort of a last minute thing.

To end off the week I went to the powwow on Saturday with my cousin Serenity. I saw many tipi’s and the flags. I heard the announcer, music, and many people talking. At the powwow I walked around and saw a few of my friends; it was really fun!