I think it would be safe to say that many non-Aboriginal Canadians have never attended, or even considered attending a Pow Wow. If that is you, I highly recommend that you put a Pow Wow excursion on your list of planned family outings. Everyone is welcome to attend these First Nations events where you’ll witness a spectacular display of dancers ornamented in traditional regalia and listen to the thunderous beat of the drum as drummers chant time-honored songs. You and your family will be invited to join First Nations communities celebrate their culture—you might even be tempted to join the dancers as they circle the dance arena.
I have attended a number of Pow Wow’s over the years and never tire of the energy and the spirit of friendship that comes over me every time. My grandson accompanied me on my most recent Pow Wow adventure in August, 2019, the Samson Cree Nation Pow Wow at Bear Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, an experience that I wanted to share with him and one that I’m sure he’ll never forget.
Some etiquette is required, particularly with regards to photography. Photographing the dancers in the arean is usually not a problem but I ask about the rules with regards to shooting an event as soon as I arrive. I always ask before I point my camera towards individuals and especially children. Never refer their clothing as costumes—regalia is the proper term. Regalia is also considered sacred and should never be touched unless permission is given. The same goes for drums.
Those First Nations communities that host Pow Wow’s typically have a yearly event. Dancers and drum groups travel, some from great distances, to participate and possibly win competitions. There are Pow Wow’s happening across Canada so there is no excuse not to find the one closest to you. So, get the family together, pack a camera and some lawn chairs and hit the road.
Finding a Pow Wow in your area is easy. Just type Canadian Pow Wow schedule in a Google search. You’ll find a number of sites, some listing schedules by province and some list the entire country.
I have attended a number of Pow Wow’s over the years and never tire of the energy and the spirit of friendship that comes over me every time. My grandson accompanied me on my most recent Pow Wow adventure in August, 2019, the Samson Cree Nation Pow Wow at Bear Park in Maskwacis, Alberta, an experience that I wanted to share with him and one that I’m sure he’ll never forget.
Some etiquette is required, particularly with regards to photography. Photographing the dancers in the arean is usually not a problem but I ask about the rules with regards to shooting an event as soon as I arrive. I always ask before I point my camera towards individuals and especially children. Never refer their clothing as costumes—regalia is the proper term. Regalia is also considered sacred and should never be touched unless permission is given. The same goes for drums.
Those First Nations communities that host Pow Wow’s typically have a yearly event. Dancers and drum groups travel, some from great distances, to participate and possibly win competitions. There are Pow Wow’s happening across Canada so there is no excuse not to find the one closest to you. So, get the family together, pack a camera and some lawn chairs and hit the road.
Finding a Pow Wow in your area is easy. Just type Canadian Pow Wow schedule in a Google search. You’ll find a number of sites, some listing schedules by province and some list the entire country.
Images from the Samson Cree Nation Pow Wow - August, 2019
Images from the Kainai Indian Days Pow Wow in Standoff, AB. - July, 2005. Governor General, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson was made an honorary chief during that event.
