Taylor Dumais
Taylor is a Cree woman from Kehewin Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory. She has called Mohkinstis home since 2018. Taylor has been sober since 2020 and has since submerged herself in her culture and traditional ways of life. She is a jingle dress dancer, a sundancer, a daughter, a granddaughter and advocate for indigenous people and their rights.
Her spirit name is kokomo tipiskaw pisim which translates to Grandmother Moon. She has recently started modelling and sits on the board as vice president of an indigenous science, technology, engineering, astrophysics and mathematics not-for-profit. She has a passion for helping her people and she is honoured to be able to dance to offer healing and prayers for her people and their communities.
Sofia Eaglehead Baptiste
Sofia Eaglehead Baptiste is Blackfoot, Cree, and Tsuut’ina. She calls both Mohkinstsis (Calgary) and Pigeon Lake home. She is a part of Ermineskin Cree nation where her father is from. Her mom is Blackfoot from both Siksika and Tsuut’ina. Along with modeling, Sofia has completed a degree in Anthropology with a double minor in Sociology and Indigenous studies. Sofia’s focus and goals are decolonial processes, healing and to work towards and with the Indigenous community. Part of her own healing journey from the intergenerational impacts of residential schools is learning to Powwow dance. Sofia currently dances Old Style Jingle and hopes to continue to carry on the traditions of Powwow dancing
Walter MacDonald White Bear
Walter MacDonald White Bear is a Cree singer-songwriter, educator, and motivational speaker originally from the First Nation of Moose Factory, Ontario. Walter has been performing acoustic and flute music for many years. His music is a reflection of his personal journey as a First Nations person in Canada. Performance highlights include The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, The Chiefs Summit with Tom Jackson, The Dream Speakers Festival, The Mountain Song Native Theater, and the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education. Walter has shared his cultural knowledge with various audiences from correctional services to principals, teachers and students. He has been invited to give keynote speeches on a range of topics, including social services, justice, education, wellness and the environment.
Nakeana & Anthony Clearsky
Nakeana is from Treaty 4 territory Waywayseecappo First Nations. Nakeana dances Fancy Shawl (the butterfly dance) since she can walk. Nakeana was also crowned Zagime Anishinabek Jr Powwow princess for the year 2014-2015. Nakeana has just graduated high school and plans to attend Sait next fall. Nakeana has become a youth leader in her community where she can share her knowledge with others.
Anthony is from Treaty 4 territory Waywayseecappo First Nations. Anthony dances Fancy bustle since he was 3 years old. Anthony continues to pursue his food truck business in hopes to travel across powwow country.
LeDelle Kequahtooway
LeDelle is from Treaty 4 territory Zagime Anishinabek First Nation. LeDelle dances Fancy shawl (butterfly dance) since she was 5 years old. She was also crowned Zagime Anishinabek Sr. Powwow Princess in the year 2014-2015. LeDelle is very passionate about sharing her teachings about Fancy shawl dancing whether it’s through showcasing, teaching basic steps, or even a powwow fit class. Lastly, LeDelle has made her own beadwork and outfits with the help and guidance of her mom Pamela Kequahtooway.
The Blackfoot Confederacy Drum Group
Gathering together singers from the Kainai, Siksika, Peigan and Blackfeet tribes, the Blackfoot Confederacy drum group is devoted to maintaining the traditional Blackfoot singing style. Combining classic songs from the tribes of the Confederacy and new songs made in their traditional style, Blackfoot Confederacy has emerged as one of Pow-Wow’s strongest voices.