For the fifth year running, Wu Woom Festival will celebrate Tla’amin Nation and Powell River culture in song and dance. Meaning “to sing,” Wu Woom is a fundraiser event to send Tla’amin people to the annual Vancouver Sun Run in mid-April.
“Wu Woom originated because we enjoy singing and having people come and share their culture,” says event organizer and Tla’amin Nation member Cyndi Pallen. “We decided it would be a great experience, so we went ahead with it as a fundraiser.”
The multicultural showcase is intended to support positive activities in Tla’amin and Powell River, says Pallen.
“We seek to celebrate the cultural diversity within the Powell River community through songs, dance and food,” she says.
All monies raised from the event will go toward the cost of sending Tla’amin people to the 32nd annual Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday, April 17. Pallen’s 11-year-old granddaughter Jordyn Paul has been participating in the run for the past five years, starting when she was only seven.
“We are working to keep Jordyn inspired and to work on her fitness and health,” says Pallen. “My motive behind putting on events is to teach her that everything you do, you work for it.”
The event will feature artists, singers and dancers from Tla’amin and Powell River, including the Sliammon Spirit Singers, which formed in 2000 and includes Pallen.
Pallen says she is still seeking additional performers for this year’s event and in the past it has featured not only Tla’amin singers and dancers, but also Korean singers, Tahiti dancers, belly dancers, Scottish pipers and more.
“It’s been a really enjoyable experience for everyone who has participated,” says Pallen. “I know the festival is in its early stages, but we want to be able to keep it going. Our main interest right now is raising money to go to the Sun Run, but it may open up opportunities for other activities in the future.”
Wu Woom Festival
When: 6-9 pm, Saturday, April 2
Where: Sliammon Salish Centre
Price: $10
Info: 604.414.3874
