About Us
Our St’at’imc Northern Tribe Powwow Society vision is to unite self, culture, and community, for this and future generations, across all walks of life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to host authentic homecoming powwows that are grounded in protocol, culture, respect, humility, and knowledge-sharing by celebrating the medicines of dancing, drumming, singing, and ceremony. Our vision is to observe self, connect to culture, and unite communities for this and future generations across all walks of life. Our goal is to support Indigenous arts, music, culture, and dance through the creation of powwow events.
Annual Powwow Events
On February 27, 2023, The Lil’wat Nation Chiefs and Council unanimously supported the initiative of developing the Powwow Arbor. The Location of the Powwow Arbour is located on land legally leased to the Society by Brian Lester. It is located at 347 Kwetsa7(IR2) between Mt Currie and Pemberton, BC. We are proud of our accomplishments to date. With generous support from donors including funds and many volunteers from around the world. Construction of the arbour began in the spring of 2023. Today we are about 80% complete and working towards our August 9, 2025 launch.
Community
The St’at’imc Northern Tribe Powwow Society (SNTPS) was registered on Sept 22, 2021, as a not for profit (Incorporated #S007542). SNTPS became a charitable organization on January 19, 2023 (775858806RR0001). Our Board consists of 8 members Brian Lester President, Chris Thomas Wells VP, Gary Abott, Fran Thevarge, Darryl Peters, Mark Mendonca, Clara John and Barry Dan. The society has a Powwow committee working towards our inaugural August 09, 2025, Powwow.
Alex Wells Founder
Barry Dan Director
Brian Lester Founder & President
Chris Wells Founder & Vice President
Clara John Director
Everett-Melem-St'ye White Founder
Fran Thevarge Founder & Director & Secretary
Gary Abbott Founder & Director
Holly Watkinson Founder
Mark Mendonca Director & Board Member
Ron Lester Founder
Powwow Ceremonies & Events
Our charitable Purpose is to increase the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing high-quality performances of Indigenous dance to the public. To promote excellence in Indigenous dance by organizing and operating an annual competition with merit-based prizes in categories based on age, gender, instrument, and dance style. To undertake activities that are ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes. Lottery proceeds will be used to provide a first-class event for all.
An Arbour Vision
The arbour will provide an opportunity for all people Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to gather and celebrate the strengths of Indigenous peoples, language, culture, and practices To increase the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing high-quality performances of Indigenous dance to the public. Our Charitable purpose is To promote excellence in Indigenous dance by organizing and operating an annual competition with merit-based prizes in categories based on age, gender, instrument, and dance style. To undertake activities that are ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.
Community Celebrations
Our Vision is to unite self, culture, and community, for this and future generations, across all walks of life. Our mission is to host authentic homecoming powwows for all that are grounded in protocol, culture, respect, humility, and knowledge-sharing by celebrating the natural medicines of dancing, drumming, singing and ceremony. Communities come together for celebrations at the arbour to support each other, reconnect and continue Indigenous culture.
An Arbour For Everyone
The impact of this initiative extends far beyond a physical shelter. The arbour roof holds cultural significance, providing a haven for drummers, dancers, emcees and Elders who embody the wisdom of generations. The roof is a symbol of respect, contributing to the healing process and fostering a deep sense of unity among attendees. The roof will allow for a multi purpose facility. We will be able to host traditional wedding ceramonies as well as end of Life gatherings. The First nations community school XCS have committed to graduation ceremonies.
