The controversy surrounding the forthcoming Kamloopa Pow Wow later this month has prompted a response from the leadership of Tk’emlups te Secwepmec.

While it doesn’t include an apology, the statement from Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir does say it is the responsibility of the band to address systemic racism and eliminate gendered violence.

“We share in the responsibility to address systemic racism and to eliminate gendered violence,” said Casimir.  “TteS Chief and Council continue to be committed to creating an inclusive environment and addressing these very important issues that our communities have been facing for far too long.”

It also thanks the Kamloopa Pow Wow Society — which operates at arms-length from Tk’emlups — for taking steps to correct the rules surrounding participation in the events later this month.

“Those rules do not reflect TteS values,” the statement reads.  “TteS Chief and Council endorses the implementation of a National Action Plan that addresses violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and 2SLGBTQQIA++.”

The Kamloopa Pow Wow has come under fire after rules for participation in the event went viral, drawing scorn for calling on competitors to prove their Indigenous heritage, while also suggesting they had to be the ‘correct gender’ to take part in the men’s and women’s divisions.

This has prompted calls for a boycott from some within the two spirit and LGBTQ+ community.

@ohkairyn

Kamloopa Pow Wow committee, what answer do you have for the countless gender diverse and sacred people youve excluded from your pow wow? This is not our way. Shame on you. #kamloopapowwow #powwow #twospirit

♬ original sound – Kairyn Potts

The Kamloopa Pow Wow society has since issued an apology, saying it is making changes to the rules to reflect today’s society.

While organizers say the rules have been enforced for 20 plus years, they add it does not reflect how they’ve run the last 19 Powwows.

“Today, we are more open to acknowledge our two-spirited and even who are Indigenous community is that is includes First nations, Metis and the Inuit people,” the statement said.

“We are inclusive in honoring our 2SLGBTQIA+ and will continue to recognize our relatives. We want to ensure that our event celebrates a diverse Indigenous culture and community respectfully.”

The Kamloopa Pow Wow is scheduled to take place July 29th to 31st.

“We want our people and our guests to continue to be proud of this amazing event that showcases our heritage and culture and welcoming more than 1,300 dancers and up to 25,000 spectators,” said Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.