Long-standing Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow president resigns

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A long-standing driver of Taylor’s annual Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow has resigned from her position as board president.

Connie Greyeyes was the president of the board and had been associated with the event for two decades.

On Thursday, March 26th, Greyeyes announced she will not continue in the role for 2026.

She spoke to Energeticcity.ca about the decision to step down and, as she put it, “take a much-needed break.”

“I just feel like it was just a really good time to step back and give the younger committee members and volunteers the opportunity to step into [running] the pow wow,” said Greyeyes. “Before we weren’t able to be there to help them transition and do this in their own right.”

Modern pow wows began in the 1950s, according to the CBC. However, pow wows are an Indigenous tradition that have existed for centuries.

The Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow first began in 2006 and runs for three days in mid-June. 

It features vendors, baked goods, artisan crafts and a tent for Indigenous elders, in addition to drumming and competitions for dancing performers ranging from young to old.

Greyeyes said people overlook all the planning it takes to put on such a massive undertaking, with a board of volunteers.

“It is months of planning,” said Greyeyes. “We start out discussing it in September….that’s months every year, dedicating and donating our time.

“I’m not going to lie…I came home and cried because of how much my family has put into that pow wow. To step back is a difficult thing for us but it’s necessary. We also want to be able to take a break.”

While she said she will assist some of the new members of the board in a transition process, she’s “not sure what she will do with her weekends.”

Greyeyes did make clear that while she won’t be running the event, she will be there as a spectator.

“That weekend I’m going to go and enjoy the pow wow,” said Greyeyes.

While the Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow traditionally takes place in June, final dates have yet to be released.

Visit the Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow’s Facebook page for more information.