Halfway River First Nation’s annual Arbour Days set for next weekend

WONOWON, B.C. — Halfway River First Nation’s (HRFN) Arbour Days will take place starting next weekend.

In just its third year, the motivation to organize Arbour Days centres on the story of the late Maizie Metecheah, said Joanne West, the executive assistant to HRFN council.

Metecheah wanted to build an arbour to bring people together to learn and connect, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

“This event is about carrying forward the teachings of our elders,” said West. “It’s about creating a space where our people can come together, laugh, learn, and celebrate who we are.”

“Seeing families, elders, youth, and visitors gathered under the arbour reminds us that our strength comes from our connections to one another, so every year it is a beautiful way to honour [Metecheah’s] memory and keep her visions alive.”

With the project in mind, fundraising began soon after, with the gathering place completed in 2024.

More than a cultural event, the festival will feature multiple competitions with cash prizes.

They include axe throwing, bingo, handgames, leg wrestling, horseshoes and pole climbing for participants over 16 years of age, with a chance to win as much as $31,500 over all events, according to a post on LinkedIn by HRFN councillor William Field.

Additionally, a talent show will be held to showcase the best performances from HRFN members, and meals – including breakfast, lunch and dinner – will be provided throughout the event.

HRFN’s Arbour Days 2026 takes place starting on Friday, June 12th, behind HRFN’s band offices at 16262 Road 4 in Wonowon.

A drug and alcohol-free event, entry to watch is no charge, while entry to compete ranges from $20 for the pole climb and leg wrestling, $25 for axe throwing to $50 per person for the handgames and horseshoe tournaments.

To register for handgames, contact Dillon Campiou at 403-333-6319. All other inquiries can be found by calling West at 250-329-6882.
Registration for all events must be completed by Thursday, June 11th, at 4 p.m. 

Energeticcity.ca has reached out to Arbour Days organizers for further comment.