From: The Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples/Aboriginals: Algonquians/ Plains/Eldon Yellowhorn
The displacement of the Plains Algonquians’ traditional lifestyle has not diminished their capacity to express their ancestral cultural traditions, nor has it limited their ability to adopt new customs. This is best represented by the “powwow,” which has become the symbol of Indian pride in the late twentieth century. Prior to 1955, there had never been such events on the Canadian plains, but the Peigan imported the festival from their relatives, the Blackfoot of Montana, hosting the first “Indian Days” at their village of Brocket, Alberta. Their only objective in holding this annual event was to invite other communities to pitch their tipis in a camp circle and to join in the dancing and singing. Since then, the powwow has grown beyond all expectations, celebrated in Plains Algonquian communities in the prairie provinces and beyond. As a cross-cultural experience, it is a common thread that binds disparate groups together.
There is no all-encompassing culture to which Plains Algonquians adhere; instead, there are elements that each group shares. Change and continuity are two themes present in the archaeological record, and they are present today as well. The Plains Algonquians observe the traditions of their ancestors, but they are amenable to innovation. Some communities may cling to rituals and ceremonies that reverberate with ancient spirituality, but that does not mean they are static and incapable of change – rather, it testifies to the solid foundations of their sense of identity. The Plains Algonquians partake in an ancient culture while being full participants in a modern society.
