13-05-2025
Powwow celebrations are underway around B.C.
If you're looking for something to do and want to learn more about First Nations culture, you might want to consider attending a powwow this summer.
Powwows are cultural gatherings that First Nations people have been partaking in for centuries. You can expect cultural singing, dancing and drumming. Food and crafts are usually for sale, but be sure to bring some cash.
There are two kinds of powwows: traditional and contest. Contest powwows are just like they sound, dancers and singers compete for prizes, while traditional powwows focus on revitalizing and practising First Nations culture.
WATCH | 2024 Squamish Nation Youth powwow:
Powwow protocol looks different across the country, but some general rules of thumb are to ask consent before you take photos, show up drug and alcohol free, and be an active listener with the powwow MC to learn more about what's happening.
Some Indigenous ceremonies and gatherings can be exclusive to the nation. However, powwows are open to everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
If you happen to feel like dancing, inter-tribals are your chance! Inter-tribals consist of specific songs that open the floor to anyone who wants to dance, no regalia or experience needed.
Be respectful, ask questions and enjoy yourself. Find a B.C. powwow to attend here.
May powwows
Creston
Yaqan Nukiy powwow
When: May. 16-18
Where: 830 Simon Road
100 Mile House
Healing our Children 2nd Annual powwow
When: May. 23-25
Where: 2-175B Wrangler Way
June powwows
Mount Currie
Lil'wat Celebrations powwow
When: Jun. 6-8
Where: Ullus Community Complex, 82 R #10
Vernon
3rd annual Komasket powwow
When: Jun. 6-8
Where: 12420 Westside Rd.
Taylor
Spirit of the Peace powwow
When: Jun. 13-15
Where: Taylor, B.C.
Williams Lake First Nation
Annual Father's Day Traditional Powwow 2025
When: Jun. 613-15
Where: Chief William Powwow Arbor, 2581 Cariboo Hwy 97 S
Boston Bar First Nation
Tuckkwiowhum Traditional Powwow
When: Jun. 21-22
Where: Tuckkwiowhum powwow arbour
Kamloops
Kamloopa Powwow 2025
When: Jun. 27-29
Where: 345 powwow trail
Kelowna
2nd Annual Two-Spirit Powwow
When: Jun. 28
Where: Kelowna city park, 1600 Abbott St.
July powwows
Vancouver
DTES powwow
When: Jul. 1
Where: Oppenheimer Park, 457 E Cordova St.
West Vancouver
3rd Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Powwow
When: Jul. 11-13
Where: Capilano Reserve field
Mission
VYPER Reclaiming Youth Contest Powwow
When: Jul. 11-13
Where: 34110 Lougheed Hwy
Penticton
Powwow Between the Lakes
When: Jul. 18-20
Where: South Okanagan Events Centre, 853 Eckhardt Ave W
Cache Creek
St'uxwtews Powwow
When: Jul. 25-27
Where: Historic Hat Creek Ranch -99 & BC -97
August powwows
Quesnel
Lhtako Dene Nation Powwow
When: Aug. 2-4
Where: 1515 Chief Dominic Road
Mount Currie
St'at'imc Northern Tribez Powwow
When: Aug. 8-10
Where: 347 kwetsa7
September powwow
Langley
4th Annual stɑl'əw̓ powwow
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 St.
