Join PRFN’s first Gathering of Drummers June 12-19 at Sikanni Ranch

PROPHET RIVER, B.C. — Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) will host its first Gathering of Drummers from June 12th to June 19th at the Sikanni Ranch near Pink Mountain.

The event was initially scheduled from May 24th to June 2nd before being delayed due to the wildfires affecting Fort Nelson and Doig River First Nation.

The event will feature camping, activities involving Indigenous culture, and nightly drum dancers from Doig River First Nation, Meander River First Nation from Alberta, Acho Dene Koe First Nations and Tlicho First Nations from the Northwest Territories, 

PRFN Chief Valerie Ashkoty has invited several other Treaty 8 Nations, including Saulteau and West Moberly First Nation, to attend as well.

She says putting the event together with the wildfire activity was challenging, but she is excited about welcoming sister nations for a time of performance and healing through song and dance.

“Fort Nelson is only one hour south of Prophet River,” said Ashkoty. “We had some evacuees stopping at our Nation who didn’t realize the significance of the fires there.”

“We have around 50 evacuees who camped out near Prophet River. They were waiting and hoping realistically it would only be a few days, but it was much longer.”

With the wildfires being slowed, PRFN put forward their plans for the gathering, which Ashkoty described as somewhat like a “family reunion.”

She says Sikanni Ranch was purchased in 2019 by the First Nation with plans for the event in mind, adding the past several years have gone toward refurbishing the grounds.

“Traditionally, the Ranch has been a gathering place for our Nation members,” said Ashkoty. “For centuries, we gathered there to celebrate spirit renewal and celebrate with peoples from other nations.”

“We’ve been using some of our restoration funds to fix the road to the ranch so that it’s easier for people to come in and join in the celebration.  We’ve also upgraded the main lodge and the cabins. We’ve been furbishing them, adding a couple more spaces, and adding an outdoor kitchen.”

The event will be open to the public and begins on June 12th.

For more information, visit PRFN’s Facebook page or contact PRFN cultural assistant Sheree Reno at (250) 321-1978.