On August 30th, Ranch Ehrlo’s Pilot Butte campus was temporarily transformed into a powwow ground and carnival to celebrate 50 years of changing lives.

Ranch staff and youth, along with their families and friends, and powwow dancers from all over came to the campus to take part in the festivities as dancers, singers, drummers, or spectators.

“I’m looking forward to dancing today,” Brianna, a youth from a Ranch home competing in fancy dance, said early in the afternoon.

Mia Chartrand, from Standing Buffalo First Nation, and Jayda Delorme from Cowesses First Nation, said that while Ranch Ehrlo’s powwow was smaller than the many they had attended so far this summer, it was still a lot of fun.

“I dance to inspire the younger generation,” said Jayda, who started as soon as she learned to walk. At the Ranch’s powwow, she was competing in the teen girls’ traditional dance category. “Dancing is healing.”

“Because it’s fun,” said Mia when asked why she dances. “But also to be a role model for the younger girls.” Mia was competing in the teen girls’ jingle competition.

One didn’t have to look far to see that inspiration taking root. Ranch youth Aaliyah, also competing in the teen girls’ fancy dance, had a quick answer when asked what she was most looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to moving forward and going home,” Aaliyah said, before explaining that she dances powwow all summer.

“Today is going really great,” she added.

When they weren’t dancing or watching the competition, youth had the opportunity to visit a carnival erected in the hockey rink. Each game was run by one of the group homes. Tickets were awarded for winning a game and one of the most popular places to be at the end of the day was the prize table, where game players redeemed their tickets for an assortment of fun items.
A variety of concession items were available– free snow cones helped everyone beat the heat, and fresh popcorn was available all day. Supper was served from 4 p.m. on and attendees had their fill of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and pop before heading back to the powwow tent to watch the adult categories of the competition.

The day was filled with smiles and laughter from all in attendance. Ranch Ehrlo’s 50th anniversary powwow will be tucked safely into the memory box of all who took part.