Powwow dancer's spirit inspires visitors to raise money for regalia

At the Sturgeon Lake Traditional Pow Wow last weekend, one dancer stood out.

William Soto whirled amonghis fellow performers, him in a black T-shirt and camo pants, the others in their finest traditional regalia.

Soto's sister, Marissa Soto, says when the 19-year-old started dancing three years ago, his family couldn't afford to buy traditional regalia.

Regaliacan cost from $500 to $2,500, said Paul Partridge, a dancer visiting the powwow atSturgeon Lake Cree Nation, 360 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

This was the second year Partridge,from Loon Lake, Sask.,noticed the young dancer without traditional regalia.

"Every inter-tribal dance he did, he just give 'er," he said. "He had it in him to dance, so that's what inspired me to do what I did."

• Do you know what regalia is?
• Dancing to a heartbeat: A visitor's guide to powwows

Partridge approached the announcer booth, donated $10 and challenged others to match it.

More than $700 was raised. And, more importantly,two sets of grass-dance regalia were donated.

"I didn't expect it. After all that, I started tearing up. It was just amazing," Soto's sister said.

Partridge said he understandsthe importance of regalia for performing.

"To put on an outfit, it makes a person feel good about themselves because they're dressing up for the person themselves and for the people watching them dance," he said.

• Dancing toddler steals the show at Camrose powwow
• Taking back tradition: Alberta First Nation opens powwow dance classes to adults

After seeing her brother dance, an elder gave Soto a buffalo headdress, Marissa Soto said.

He was also given an eagle feather and moccasins, completing his regalia.

"I feel honoured, grateful and happy," Soto said. "It means a lot."