How to Experience a First Nations Pow Wow in Ontario

First Nations culture is so important to the fabric of Canadian Society. How better to teach it to our children than to experience a First Nations Pow Wow

During our Great Spirit Circle Trail experience on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, we learned that we could experience a First Nations pow wow that would be taking place nearby. We were anxious to learn more about the First Nations culture in Canada, so we’re excited about an opportunity to experience one of these celebrations in person.

When we learned that our guide for the weekend, Craig Fox of the Great Spirit Circle Trail, would be dancing at the event, our enthusiasm only grew!

What is a First Nations Pow Wow?

While the origin of the Native American pow wow is unclear, they have become a huge part of First Nations culture over the years. Pow wows are events that are run by local native communities. Our experience at our first pow wow on Manitoulin Island in Ontario inspired our epic Quebec indigenous experiences road trip in 2019.

They often include dancers, drummers, and singers from many communities from across the continent. Dancers dress in brightly colored regalia representing different legends and lore. Drummers and singers play beautiful beats and haunting songs.

Pow wows are celebrations full of song and dance. Also, they usually feature delicious indigenous foods, beautiful paintings and craftwork, and amazing furs and instruments.

Attending a pow wow offered a perfect opportunity to further introduce our children to the history and culture of our country, Canada. First Nations culture is so important to the fabric of our national identity, yet its importance is often washed over during national events and within our educational system.

Pro-Tip: To see the schedule of Pow Wows in Ontario, check out the schedule here.

The Grand Entry

The pow wow began with the Grand Entry. As visitors, we were called to stand as the registered celebrant’s parade into the Arena from the east. Flags, including Canadian, American, Tribal and POW flags, as well as the Eagle staffs of the represented First Nations were presented. The flags are usually carried by elders or veterans holding a place of honor within the pow wow.

The Smudging Ceremony

Following the Grand Entry, we were made a part of the smudging ritual. Smudging involves spreading the smoke from items such as cedar, tobacco, and sage over the bodies of the attendees as a way to purify the aura and cleanse the spirit.

Pro-Tip: There is no photography allowed during the smudging ceremony. This is considered a sacred time.

Song and Dance

You can’t experience a First Nations pow wow without including the song and dance. After the smudging ceremony, the MC began calling the dancers involved in each section of the ceremony.

Different types of dances were performed, and we even had the opportunity to take part in some ourselves. There are also dances for women, men, and children separately and together.

The songs included original and classic songs, important to the communities in attendance. The dances included styles such as Grass Fancy, Northern Traditional, Buckskin and Fancy Shawl.

Food and  Craft Stalls

A festival wouldn’t be complete without taking in the crafts and delicious local fare. Stalls sell traditional delicacies like bannock and berries, rice and beans, fry bread, and more modern fare such as Indian tacos, strawberry juice and more.

The sales shops sell everything from fur and traditional clothing, drums, painting, instruments, and more. C was on a mission during our visit to find the perfect drumstick to go with the drum that he created at the Great Spirit Circle Trail.

Proper Etiquette to Experience a First Nations Pow Wow

• Dress modestly
• Follow the instructions of the Master of Ceremonies
• Bring your own chairs or blankets (sometimes chairs are provided, but not always)
• The dancers wear Regalia. Please do not call them costumes.
• Ask before you take a photo of a dancer
• Feel free to join the dances when invited by the Master of Ceremonies
• Respect First Nations tradition and refrain from wearing items of First Nations religious significance unless you are a member of that nation.
• Alcohol and drugs are not permitted at pow wows and many ask that you refrain from their use for a few days prior
• If you have a question, feel free to ask those in attendance. Pow wows are celebrations and attendees are often happy to share with newcomers

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