June marks the start of Pow Wow season and a host of events will take place across the Canada, some taking place this weekend. Open to all, the powerful gatherings bring together multiple generations in a celebration of food, cultural traditions, community building, and spiritual healing in honour of Indigenous life, culture and traditions.
Some of the noteworthy celebrations include:
British Columbia
- Join The Kamloopa Pow Wow Society to celebrate three days of vibrant Indigenous culture at the 43rd annual Kamloopa Pow Wow taking place June 28-30 at the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw. With an estimated 500 dancers and drummers from all across Canada and the United States, visitors will enjoy drumming and dancing, colourful regalia, delicious food, and shopping at the many artisan vendor booths.
- The Second Annual Memorial 2024 Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow takes place at Capilano Reserve Park from July 5-7. With a focus on uplifting youth and providing opportunities for education, employment and healing through culture, the all-ages friendly dance competition will feature head man dancer and mentor Notorious Cree, head woman dancer and mentor Tonia Jo Hall, as well as special guest, 2022 Juno award winner Fawn Wood.
- From Aug. 2-4 the Lhtako Dene Nation will join the Quesnel Tillicum Society to celebrate their 50th Pow Wow Anniversary at the first annual Lhtako Dene Nation Pow Wow. Featured performers include Arena Director Everett Melem St’ye White, Whipman Cecil Sheena, MC Chris Wells and Host Drum Group, Young Spirit.
Alberta
- The best dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States come together in a celebration of cultures at the 2024 Calgary Stampede Pow Wow, July 7-8. One of the country’s biggest Pow Wows, this extraordinary competition will highlight the diversity of First Nations dancing, singing, and drumming and is free with admission to Stampede Park.
- The 30th Annual Enoch Cree Nation Competition Pow Wow welcomes guests from July 12-14 for an unforgettable weekend of Indigenous culture and celebration. Featured events include men’s and women’s head dance competitions, drum contests, and a Princess Pageant with 100 Tiny Tot Dancers per day! welcomes guests from July 12-14 for an unforgettable weekend of Indigenous culture and celebration. Featured events include men’s and women’s head dance competitions, drum contests, and a Princess Pageant with 100 Tiny Tot Dancers per day!
- A colourful show of skill and pageantry awaits guests at the annual Beaver Lake Pow Wow, Aug. 4-6. This heart-pumping national competition features the best powwow dancers and drummers from across Canada and includes five dance categories – Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Jingle and Chicken. Additionally, the weekend festivities include a variety of drumming competitions as mesmerizing as the dancers.
Saskatchewan
- Sweetgrass First Nation presents its Traditional Pow Wow, July 16-17 with host drums Sweet Grass Singers and Blackstone. The celebrations also include grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
- Empowering youth and children through song and dance, Big River First Nation will host its 3rd Annual Pow Wow from July 23-25 and will feature dance categories from ages six to 60-plus.
- From July 30-Aug. 1, join the Little Pine First Nation and Lucky Man Cree Nation for a competition Pow Wow featuring five dance categories, drum competitions and a variety of dance specials.
Manitoba
- Throughout July and August, Manitoba will be home to a variety of celebrations that honour Indigenous culture and traditions including the Peguis First Nation Treaty Days and Pow Wow, July 12-21; the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Powwow, July 26-28 and the Norway House Cree Nation Pow Wow Aug. 2-4.
Ontario
- All are welcome at the Mississauga First Nation 43rd Annual Pow Wow, July 20-21. The two-day celebration features host drums, Charging Horse along with co-host drums, Under the Pines; an Old Style Jingle Special, Men’s Woodland Special and Women’s 18+ Fancy Shawl Special and many other exciting performances and events.
- On the shores of the St. Lawrence River in Cornwall, the Akwesasne Powwow is a weekend of fun, peace and friendship with neighbours of all cultures. From Sept. 7-8, the two-day festival brings together the best Native artisans, drummers and dancers from across the region.
Quebec
- From July 26-28, Pow Wow Manawan will offer a captivating journey into the Atikamekw Nation’s traditions and customs. Located in the heart of Quebec, this Pow Wow showcases an array of vibrant dances, ceremonial rituals, cultural displays, and experiences that highlight the warmth of the Manawan community.
- The Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation’s Pow Wow 2024 takes place from Aug. 17-18 and will feature Pow Wow drum groups, dancers, Muskrat Singers and Redtail Spirit Singers as well as variety of workshops and presentations. The Pow Wow is part of the Two Nations, One Celebration event organized in collaboration with the municipality of Cacouna.
New Brunswick
- In honour of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, the 12th Annual Fishermen Pow Wow will take place in Miramichi on July 1, featuring traditional dances, drums, singing and the ever popular and powerful Sunrise Ceremony.
Nova Scotia
- The 33rd Annual Eskasoni Competition Powwow returns to the Noel R. Denney Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, June 28-30. Celebrations include a Grading Day party, drum and dancing competitions, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Newfoundland and Labrador
- The Annual Bay St. George Traditional Pow Wow promises fun for the whole family from July 12-14. The celebration includes a sweat lodge, sacred fire, ceremonies, teaching, vendors and more.
Prince Edward Island
- Engage in the vibrant traditions of the Mi’kmaq people at the Lennox Island Pow Wow, Aug. 22-24. This cultural celebration showcases the beauty and richness of Mi’kmaq heritage and offers a unique opportunity to witness sacred ceremonies, traditional storytelling, and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge.
For the full list of Indigenous events and experiences across Canada this year, visit CanadianPowWows.ca. And to learn more about the do’s and don’ts at a Pow Wow, click HERE.