Tsuut'ina powwow features the colourful evolution of dress

The Tsuut'ina Nation is holding its annual powwow this weekend, featuring a dizzying array of dancers dressed in outfits that are becoming brighter and more contemporary.

"It has changed, yes, there are a lot of new materials that are coming out that are very shiny and very colourful, like we've got the neon colours and that," saidMarjorie LittleleafHeaven Fire, a Tsuut'ina elder.

Once banned by the Indian Act in Canada, which prohibited cultural and spiritual ceremonies, powwows have grown and evolved since those oppressive aspects of the act were removed.

"I see this happening every year and more so each year. I see new outfits, I see nicer outfits, more colourful and it just makes our celebrations really a good place to go and be happy to meet our friends and relatives," saidHeaven Fire.

"It's a place where we gather to see old friends and old acquaintances. It brings our people back together, the Native people."

Regulation and evolution

Some of the finery once found on traditional outfits are now more difficult to come by, with government regulations making it difficult to acquire eagle feathers, for example.

Heaven Firesaid she enjoys the modern outfits, built on tradition.

"We do see the very old outfits from way back, and they are beautiful and it gives us a base to build on that and make them more beautiful and more modern," she said.

"I'm very proud of our girls and boy who are dancing in beautiful outfits."

Tsuut'ina's annual celebrations include a rodeo, golf tournament and handgames competition, all taking place this weekend.