The Youth Exhibition Powwow returned to Okanagan College, Thursday, for its ninth year. 

Students and community members joined in the celebration of Indigenous culture in the courtyard of the college's Kelowna campus. 

“Powwows are vibrant events and are full of excitement, as it’s a time to come together and celebrate our culture, celebrate Aboriginal youth and honour their educational journey,” says Anthony Isaac, Okanagan College Aboriginal services co-ordinator.

“It’s a great opportunity to increase people’s understanding of our ways of knowing and doing and create a sense of belonging for all of our learners," he added. 

Dancers and drummers from across B.C.'s Interior performed in a variety of dance categories, including fancy, grass, chicken and jingle. 

More than 600 students from band and public schools attended the exhibition, along with the public.

Okanagan College has one of the fastest-growing rates of Aboriginal student participation of any post-secondary institution in B.C. In 2016, the college delivered educational programming to almost 1,700 Aboriginal students – nearly 200 more than the previous year.