The Sacred Experience of a Traditional Pow Wow

By jake
June 3, 2025

This summer, generations of First Nations will gather to honour their ancient traditions, to share cultural dishes, dance, drums and song, and to foster healing in their communities.

The region we call ‘the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto” is located on the traditional lands and waterways of the Algonquin, the Anishinabek, the Mohawk and the Metis peoples, and we are honoured to share this information on how settlers can experience these sacred events, in the spirit of learning and reconciliation.

Niá:wen and Chi-Miigwech to our Indigenous friends for their generosity in inviting guests along. Read on to discover how you can participate.

Keira Barnhardt from Henvey Inlet First Nation in her hand-beaded regalia

Pow Wow Etiquette

Pow Wows are a welcoming space and to ensure a wonderful experience for everyone, please consider some rules of etiquette if you attend. Guidelines may vary between events, so check with the MC, Arena Director or Head Singer if you’re unsure of expectations and they will be happy to help answer questions.
The Grand Entry is the official opening of the Pow Wow, often lead by veterans, Flag Carriers and Head Dancers. As a sign of respect, standing and removing hats is the protocol during this opening. Some additional considerations:

  • Be on time
  • Dress and behave in a respectful manner
  • Remember that arena benches are reserved for dancers and some seating is always reserved for Elders – bringing your own lawn chair is a great idea
  • Be courteous and aware of those around you
  • The dancers wear regalia, which are handcrafted family heirlooms. Please do not touch a dancer’s regalia without permission
  • Drugs and alcohol are not permitted
  • No pets allowed
  • Ask before taking photos or videos
Biidaasmoseh Pawis at the Rosseau Lake College Pow Wow

Rosseau Lake College Annual Rosseau – June 6

The Rosseau Lake College Pow Wow began as a student initiative and has grown into an annual celebration bringing together members of local and shared communities. This year’s Pow Wow is honouring the theme of Our Growth with the Grand Entry at 11am

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and experience the unique atmosphere. Teachings are shared and participation is encouraged to join in and dance to the heart of the big drum from Indian Road. There are craft vendors, spot dances, potato dance, with prizes to be won. New this year is Chiblow Fish serving fresh pickerel and chips.

Drumming at the Henvy Inlet First Nations Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

Henvey Inlet First Nations Annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow French River Reserve No. 13, Grundy, ON – June 7-8

Located just above Grundy Lake Provincial Park, this will be their 22nd Inter-Tribal Pow Wow. Representatives from across the country will be in attendance and there will be three Grand Entrances – 1pm and 7pm on the Saturday and noon on the Sunday. As well as drummers and dancers, there will be vendors on site for the weekend’s festivities.

Dokis First Nation‘s Pow Wow will focus on language and spirit

Dokis First Nation Annual Traditional Pow Wow Parry Sound/Sudbury/Nipissing – June 22-23

Dokis First Nation’s 23rd annual Pow Wow will be focusing on Our Language, Our Spirit. The host drum will be Crazy Spirit and there will be three grand entries for this event – June 22 at noon and 7pm, and noon on Sunday. There will a sunrise ceremony at 5.30am and a community feast at 5pm on the Saturday.

See Muskoka Through Our Eyes 2nd Annual Pow Wow June 28-29 Bracebridge

Held at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge with the Grand Entry at 12.30pm on both days. Dancing, drumming, crafts, food, art, sacred fire and cultural teachings.

Incredible regalia on display at the Shawanaga First Nation Pow Wow

Algonquins All Nations Gathering Algonquin Park – August 9-10

The 31st annual Algonquins All Nations Gathering happens 23 km west of the East Gate on Whitefish Lake Centennial Ridges Road. On Saturday, there is a sunrise ceremony, a men, women, and children’s circle, with the Grand Entry at 1pm. A traditional feast at 5pm. Sunday features a sunrise ceremony with the Grand Entry at noon. The ceremony finishes with an appreciation call at 4pm, and a travel feast at 5pm. Adult admission is $8.

Shawanaga First Nation Parry Sound – August 16-17

This will be the 28th annual Pow Wow and the theme will be Honouring Our Land and Water. The Grand Entry will be noon on both days and local food and craft vendors will be on site. Host drum by Black Bull Moose Singers.

Traditional dances at the French River Pow Wow

French River Pow Wow French River Provincial Park – September 5-6

Hosted by the French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre First Nations and Aboriginal Advisory Committee there will be a medicine preparation and sacred fire starting at noon on September 5. The Grand Entry will be held on September 7 at noon with host drum Eagle Heart. The theme of the 18th annual gathering is Honouring the Fire.

Wasauksing First Nation Annual Traditional Pow Wow Depot Harbour – September 20-21

Morning ceremony and sacred fire on the Saturday and Sunday. Grand entry is noon on the 20th and 11am on the 21st.

Plan your epic summer getaway to the great Canadian wilderness just north of Toronto today.

Visit GreatCanadianwilderness.com for more info.

Niá:wen and Chi-Miigwech to all the photographers who shared their photos.

Main Photo: Percy Tabobondung – Parry Island and Shawanaga, Phoenix Tabobondung – Shawanaga and Matthew Rutledge from Lac Seul. Photo by Jake Good