Carrying Culture Forward: Kalaija Ward-Buffalo’s Journey Through Family and the Powwow Trail

By Chevi Rabbit, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

(ANNews) – For Kalaija Ward-Buffalo, powwow is more than a gathering. It is a way of life rooted in family, culture, movement, creativity and the responsibility of passing traditions on to the next generation.

A mother of two, entrepreneur and member of Ermineskin Cree Nation, Ward-Buffalo has built a life that brings together her passion for Indigenous culture, regalia-making, beadwork and fitness.

“Powwow has always been an important part of my life because it keeps me connected to my culture, family, and community,” she said.

Ward-Buffalo creates regalia and beadwork through her business, @madebykalaijaward, and also operates her own online fitness training business, Training With Kalaija Ward.

“Both businesses go hand in hand,” she said. “Through my work, I love being creative, supporting and guiding others through movement, and keeping our culture alive for the next generation.”

A Family Connection to Powwow

Ward-Buffalo was introduced to the powwow circle as a young child by her mother, Joelle Ward, who is a jingle dress dancer.

“My mom introduced me to the powwow circle as a tiny tot. I loved dancing alongside her,” she said.

Growing up surrounded by family, Ward-Buffalo learned the importance of culture and tradition from those around her. Her journey as a dancer became more serious when she was 12 years old, when Karlene Cutknife mentored her in Women’s Fancy Shawl.

Cutknife taught her not only how to dance, but also the importance of caring for her regalia. “She taught me the importance of caring for my regalia and taught me that when you take care of your outfit, it will take care of you. Your regalia becomes a part of you,” Ward-Buffalo said.

Looking back, she credits her mother, family, mentors and community for helping shape her journey. “It truly takes a community to raise a dancer, and I’m grateful for everyone who has guided me along the powwow trail.”

The Strength of Fancy Shawl

Ward-Buffalo dances Women’s Fancy Shawl, a style she admires for its energy, movement and connection to strength and endurance. She is particularly inspired by the story of a young woman who wanted to dance Fancy and demonstrate that women could be just as strong and successful as men.

“When Men’s Fancy was introduced, people admired how fast, energetic, and beautiful the dance was,” she explained. “At the time, women weren’t traditionally allowed to dance Fancy.”

Ward-Buffalo said the story of women challenging those expectations is one she carries with pride. “I admire that story so much, and I’m incredibly proud to be a Fancy Shawl dancer.”

Culture as a Family Practice

Powwow preparation is also a family activity for Ward-Buffalo, her partner Darrell Brertton Jr. and their children.

Healthy living is already part of their daily routine. Ward-Buffalo and Brertton strength train, go for walks and spend time outdoors. During powwow season, they add conditioning, strength training and outdoor dance practice.

“It’s honestly one of my favourite things to do as a family,” she said.

Regalia-making also gives her children an opportunity to learn. Whether Ward-Buffalo is creating regalia for her family or others, her children watch, participate and help when they can.

“Everything we do is a team effort,” she said. “We always try to include our children and teach them this beautiful way of life through our culture, traditions, movement, and the things we create together.”

For Ward-Buffalo, involving young people in cultural gatherings is essential because they are the next generation responsible for carrying those traditions forward.

Keeping Traditions Alive

Powwow continues to provide a space where families and communities can come together and where younger generations can learn from Elders.

“Powwow is important because it brings our families and communities together,” Ward-Buffalo said. “It gives younger generations a chance to learn from our Elders and carry on our traditions.”

Through dance, songs and stories, generations are able to maintain a living connection to their culture.

Ward-Buffalo also wants people watching from outside the circle to understand how much dedication goes into each performance. “I hope they see how much work and dedication goes into what we do,” she said.

Behind the few minutes a dancer spends in the circle are hours of training, practice, sewing, beading and preparation. “All of that preparation comes together where we are able to express ourselves in just a few minutes on the dance floor.”

For Ward-Buffalo, that pride does not end when the dancing stops. “We dedicate our lives to this way of being, and we are beyond proud of who we are, even outside of the powwow circle,” she said.

Her greatest hope is that her children and future generations will continue to carry that same pride. “I pray my children and future generations continue to carry that pride with them,” she concluded.