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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

A First Nations elder dances at a Native Pow Wow on Manitoulin Island

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!

Giant prayer drum at the Zhiibaahaasing First Nations on Manitoulin Island

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.

Native dancers in Regalia experience a First Nations Pow Wow in Ontario

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.

An Ojibwe man teaches two young children about the voice of the drum at the Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island. The Great Spirit Circle Trail is one of the best things to do on Manitoulin Island

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.

A Native elder dances at a First Nations Pow Wow

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.

Father and daughter dancers at a Pow Wow on Manitoulin Island

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.

A young boy smiles next to experience a first nations pow wow in Ontario

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.

An adolescent dancer in colorful regalia at a First Nations Pow Wow
A dancer with an eagle feather tail at a Pow Wow in Ontario

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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Agness of eTramping

Monday 5th of June 2017

Very inspiring post, Kevin! I would love to experience this one day!

Ryan Biddulph

Monday 1st of May 2017

This is so cool Kevin. I am awed by the colors of their outfits. I also have a deeper respect for Native Americans after reading a way cool book/novel/epic creation on Tecumseh and his life, while living in a remote Costa Rican jungle. What a brilliantly enlightened people in so many ways. Way beyond what we modern day Americans are in terms of living in perfect harmony with nature.

Ryan

Leigh

Sunday 30th of April 2017

How interesting! I would love to experience this someday.

Antonina

Friday 28th of April 2017

I would consider myself lucky if I happen to attend an event like this. The photos are fantastic, thanks for sharing!

Jean

Thursday 27th of April 2017

This is such a great and informative post. I love learning about other cultures. Thanks for sharinng