Lhtako Dené Pow Wow Honours the Past, Celebrates the Future
Over the August long weekend, the Lhtako Dené Nation filled its newly constructed arbour with the sound of drums, the colour of regalia and the spirit of tradition, as it welcomed hundreds for its second annual competition pow wow, held in its traditional territory where the City of Quesnel is located.
West Fraser was honoured to support the pow wow as a sponsor and to further contribute as sponsor of the event’s Red Dress Special, dancing competition. Our involvement also included official roles in planning and throughout the event — part of our long-standing partnership with the Nation.
Our West Fraser values are rooted in trust, respect and collaboration, Events like the pow wow remind us that these relationships advance through shared moments and genuine connection.
Stuart L., Quesnel Woods Manager
Stuart adds: “I was honored to be on the Pow Wow Planning Committee and work alongside the Lhtako Dené and other committee members assisting in the planning of this significant cultural event and to see West Fraser colleagues dance and celebrate their heritage.”
Gathering place restored
This year’s pow wow was especially meaningful for the Lhtako Dené, marking the second time the community has hosted a pow wow in its new arbour — and continuing a tradition that returned home just last year.
The community had been without an arbour since the previous one was removed, making it difficult to host large cultural gatherings. Construction on the new arbour began in 2022 using large Douglas fir logs donated by West Fraser and harvested from the Lhtako Dené traditional territory. Completed in 2024, the open-sky structure now stands as a central venue for large events like traditional and competition pow wows, which for Lhtako Dené, symbolize a coming back to their culture.
A weekend of culture and connection
Over the three-day gathering, there were many memorable moments. Grand Entries opened each day with song, dance and ceremony, as dancers in regalia entered the arbour to the sound of the drums and singing. The weekend also featured intertribal dances that invited everyone into the circle, bringing Nations from across western Canada and the U.S.
Amid the celebration, there was also solidarity. One of the most meaningful moments was the Red Dress Special — an honour dance that commemorates Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and the ongoing impact this national crisis has on families and communities. The dance was judged by a panel that included West Fraser team members. Among the competitors was Dhana A., a West Fraser summer student and Lhtako Dené member, who danced throughout the weekend.
“Dancing in the Lhtako pow wow gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my valued role as a community jingle dress dancer and as a mentor,” said Dhana. Not only was I able to dance on my family's traditional territory, I was also able to dance with my grandmother, who hand-sewed my beadwork right before the pow wow. The intense excitement that built up before the pow wow inspired people to dance and create beautiful items that could be seen throughout the weekend."
Having West Fraser sponsor this event demonstrates the company’s dedication to supporting Indigenous identity and fostering connections with the Lhtako Dené Nation.
Dhana A., West Fraser summer student and Lhtako Dené member
For some West Fraser employees, it was their first time attending a pow wow. “Attending the recent Lhtako Dené Pow Wow in Quesnel was a deeply moving and humbling experience for myself, my husband and sons,” said Krista B., Director, Financial Planning and Analysis, Western Canada.
“We came to our first pow wow not knowing what to expect, but it was unforgettable. The grand entrance of the drummers, dancers, and guests was powerful and emotional and the dancers’ regalia — each piece handmade with incredible intricacy and meaning — was truly breathtaking. It was a privilege to be welcomed into the Lhtako Dené’s celebration of culture, and I was proud knowing that West Fraser contributed wood for the construction of the arbour and supported the event as a sponsor.”
Partnership in action
For West Fraser, attending the pow wow reflects a long-standing relationship with the Lhtako Dené Nation, built over many years of collaboration with a focus working, growing and sharing together, as well as sustainable forest management in the area.
That connection spans shared stewardship of the land, local business partnerships and moments of cultural exchange. Earlier this year, the Lhtako Dené welcomed our Board of Directors and Executive Team to their new arbour — a meaningful visit that deepened understanding and reaffirmed our commitment to working together.
Being part of this year’s pow wow was another way to honour that partnership — showing up not just as a sponsor, but as a neighbour and guest, proud to stand alongside the Lhtako Dené community.
