Destination Indigenous has just announced an exciting series of Canadian Pow Wows happening across the country this summer. Open to everyone, Canadian Pow Wows bring together people of all ages to celebrate with food, cultural traditions, community building, and spiritual healing, all in honour of Indigenous life and culture. Keep reading to find out the dates and locations of these vibrant celebrations.
Related: Read our post, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park: Where Culture and History Flourish
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British Columbia
Join The Kamloopa Pow Wow Society for three days of vibrant Indigenous culture at the 43rd annual Kamloopa Pow Wow from June 28-30, 2024, at the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) in Secwepemcúl’ecw. Expect an estimated 500 dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States, offering drumming, dancing, colorful regalia, delicious food, and artisan vendor booths at this exciting Canadian Pow Wow.
The Second Annual Memorial 2024 Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow will be held at Capilano Reserve Park from July 5-7, 2024. This event focuses on uplifting youth and providing opportunities for education, employment, and healing through culture. The all-ages dance competition will feature head man dancer and mentor Notorious Cree, head woman dancer and mentor Tonia Jo Hall, and special guest, 2022 Juno Award winner Fawn Wood.
From August 2-4, 2024, the Lhtako Dene Nation and Quesnel Tillicum Society will celebrate the 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 will gather for the 2024 Calgary Stampede Pow Wow on July 7-8, 2024. As one of the country’s largest Pow Wows, this extraordinary competition celebrates the diversity of First Nations dancing, singing, and drumming and is included with admission to Stampede Park.
The 30th Annual Enoch Cree Nation Competition Pow Wow will take place from July 12-14, offering an unforgettable weekend of Indigenous culture and celebration. Highlights include men’s and women’s head dance competitions, drum contests, and a Princess Pageant with 100 Tiny Tot Dancers each day.
Experience a vibrant display of skill and pageantry at the annual Beaver Lake Pow Wow from August 4-6, 2024. This exciting national competition features top powwow dancers and drummers from across Canada and includes five dance categories: Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Jingle, and Chicken. Additionally, the weekend festivities will feature a variety of drumming competitions as captivating as the dancers.
Saskatchewan
Sweetgrass First Nation will present its Traditional Pow Wow on July 16-17, 2024, featuring host drums Sweet Grass Singers and Blackstone. The celebrations will include grand entries at 1 pm and 7 pm daily.
Big River First Nation will host its 3rd Annual Pow Wow from July 23-25, 2024, empowering youth and children through song and dance, with dance categories for participants ages 6 to 60+.
Join the Little Pine First Nation and Lucky Man Cree Nation for a competition Pow Wow from July 30 to August 1, 2024. This event will feature five dance categories, drum competitions, and a variety of dance specials.
Manitoba
Lake Manitoba First Nation will host its annual traditional Pow Wow from June 21-23, 2024, featuring host drums Horsetail and MC Darcy Malcolm Sr.
Throughout July and August, Manitoba will be home to various Canadian Pow Wows that honour Indigenous culture and traditions, including the Peguis First Nation Treaty Days and Pow Wow from July 12-21, 2024, the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Powwow from July 26-28, and the Norway House Cree Nation Pow Wow from August 2-4, 2024.
Ontario
Experience the richness of Indigenous culture and tradition at the annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival from June 19-23. This five-day, multi-disciplinary arts festival brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures.
Everyone is welcome at the Mississauga First Nation 43rd Annual Pow Wow on July 20-21, 2024. This two-day celebration will feature host drums Charging Horse and co-host drums Under the Pines, along with an Old Style Jingle Special, Men’s Woodland Special, Women’s 18+ Fancy Shawl Special, and many other exciting performances and events.
On the shores of the beautiful St. Lawrence River in Cornwall, the Akwesasne Powwow promises a weekend of fun, peace, and friendship for people of all cultures. From September 7-8, 2024, this two-day festival will bring together the best Native artisans, drummers, and dancers from across the region.
Quebec
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, the 7th Annual KWE! invites visitors to explore the 11 Indigenous Nations in Quebec through artistic performances, conferences, demonstrations, and exchanges from June 14-16, 2024, at Place Jean-Béliveau in Quebec City.
From July 26-28, 2024, Pow Wow Manawan offers a captivating journey into the Atikamekw Nation’s traditions and customs. Located in the heart of Quebec, this Pow Wow features 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 will be held from August 17-18, 2024, featuring Pow Wow drum groups, dancers, Muskrat Singers, and Redtail Spirit Singers, along with a variety of workshops and presentations. This 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 be held in Miramichi on July 1, 2024. The event will feature traditional dances, drumming, singing, and the powerful and popular Sunrise Ceremony.
Nova Scotia
The 33rd Annual Eskasoni Competition Powwow will be back at the Noel R. Denney Memorial Pow Wow Grounds from June 28-30. Festivities will feature a Grading Day celebration, drum and dance competitions, and a stunning fireworks display.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Annual Bay St. George Traditional Pow Wow guarantees enjoyment for all ages from July 12-14, 2024. The event features a sweat lodge, sacred fire, ceremonies, teachings, vendors, and other activities.
Prince Edward Island
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Mi’kmaq people at the Lennox Island Pow Wow, taking place from August 22-24, 2024. This cultural celebration highlights the beauty and depth of Mi’kmaq heritage, featuring sacred ceremonies, traditional storytelling, and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge.
For a comprehensive list of Indigenous events and experiences across Canada this year, please visit CanadianPowWows.ca.
To discover more about the etiquette and guidelines for attending a Canadian Pow Wow, visit CanadianPowWows.ca/dos-and-donts/.
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