Ontario Pow Wow Guide: 2023 Edition

Culture, community, food, dancing, music, tradition, regalia—check out the 2023 calendar and discover where to celebrate this year.

By Staff Writer, Northern Ontario Travel

October 12, 2023

Editor's note: If you have a listing to add to the 2023 Pow Wow calendar please fill in this quick form or drop us a line at info@northernontario.travel.

Pow Wows are back in 2023. Filled with joy, ceremony, and fellowship, these cultural gatherings are an important part of Indigenous identity and tradition for many First Nations communities.

Attending a Pow Wow either as a respectful guest or as a participant is a special way to experience Indigenous culture.

Here is a partial list of upcoming Ontario Pow Wows in 2023. Don’t see yours? Please let us know so we can add it.

2023 Ontario Pow Wows

September

Sept 2-3, 2023
Batchewana First Nation Pow wow, Batchewana First Nation, ON

Save the date! The Batchewana First Nation Pow wow will take place September Sept 2 & 3, 2023. Check back for more information here later this summer or visit their Facebook.

Sept 9-10, 2023
Akwesasne Pow Wow, Cornwall Island, ON

On the shores by the beautiful St. Lawrence River, this year's Pow Wow features Iroquois Smoke Dancers. Grand Entry is at noon both days.

For more information, visit the Akwesasne Web Site.

Past Pow Wows in 2023

May

May 20-21, 2023
Hiawatha First Nation 27th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Keene, ON

This Pow Wow will transpire at the Lakeview Ceremonial Grounds. Grand Entry is at 12 pm Saturday and Sunday. Admission fees: Ages under 6 and over 60 is free, ages 7 to 12 are $5, all other ages are $8.

For more information, visit the Hiawatha First Nation Website or call 705-295-4421.

May 20-21, 2023
Walpole Island First Nation 29th Annual Spring Pow Wow, Walpole Island, ON

Grand Entries on Saturday at 12 pm and 6 pm, and Sunday at 12 pm. Smoke Dance competition, dance and singing exhibitions for the family.

For more information, visit the Walpole Island First Nation Facebook.

May 26-28, 2023
Eabametoong First Nation Honouring Our Children and Youth Pow Wow, Fort Hope, ON

Presented by the John C. Yesno Education Centre in Fort Hope and the Eabametoong First Nation.

For more information, contact naomi.atlookan@jcyec.ca or phone 807-633-5203.

May 27, 2023
2-Spirit Pow Wow, Toronto, ON

The 2nd Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow will be held at Downsview Park in Toronto from 10 am to 6 pm and will be hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

For more information, visit the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations Facebook.

May 27-28, 2023
Odawa Nation 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Ottawa, ON

The Odawa Native Friendship Center hosts this longstanding Pow Wow. Grand Entry takes place at 12 pm.

For more information, visit the Odawa Native Friendship Centre Facebook or call 613-722-3811.

June

June 3-4, 2023
Aundek Omni Kaning traditional Powwow, Manitoulin Island, ON

Located on the North Channel on the shore of Manitoulin Island, the theme of this year's Pow Wow is "Remember, Reconnect & Revive". Grand Entry is at 12 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, then at 12 pm on Sunday. Admission is free and welcome to all.

For more information, visit the Aundek Omni Kaning First Nations Website or call 705-368-2228.

June 8, 2023
Beaver Brae School Pow Wow, Kenora, ON

This one day Pow Wow runs from 10 am to 3 pm at Beaver Brae Field.

For more information, visit the Beaver Brae Intermediate Facebook or phone 807-468-6401.

June 10-11, 2023
Spirit of the Drum 5th Annual Pow Wow, Smith Falls, ON

Join celebrations on Duck Island with Grand Entry at 12 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit the SFDCI Facebook.

June 10-11, 2023
Sheshegwaning First Nation 26th Annual Pow Wow, Sheshegwaning First Nation, ON

Grand entry at noon on Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday.

For more information, visit the Sheshegwaning Facebook or phone 705-283-3292.

June 10-11, 2023
Henvey Inlet First Nations 20th Annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow, French River Reserve No. 13, ON

The theme of this year's pow wow is "A Mother's Love is at The Heart of Our Nation". Grand entry is on Saturday at 1 pm, 7 pm & Sunday at 12 pm. Honorariums will be given to all dancers and the first five registered drum groups. Camping is available on site.

For more information, visit the Henvey Inlet Pow Wow Facebook.

June 10-11, 2023
Maamwi Kindaaswin "Learning Together" Pow Wow, North Bay, ON

This 15th annual pow wow will once again take place at Lee Park in North Bay and is a free family event. The theme this year is "Celebrating Our Growth". There will be sunrise ceremonies, dancing, music, indigenous vendors, and a feast on Saturday.

For more information, visit the Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow Facebook.

June 14, 2023
CAMH 2nd Annual Pow Wow, Toronto, ON

The CAMH Shkaabe Makwa is hosting this year’s Pow Wow from 12 pm to 4 pm. This year’s theme is “Honouring Children & Youth”. Admission is free and welcome to all.

For more information, visit the Shkaabe Makwa Facebook.

June 16-17, 2023
Red Lake Anishinaape 20th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Red Lake, ON

This year's Pow Wow will be at Keesic Beach on the shore of Red Lake. Grand Entry at 6 pm on Friday and at 12 pm on Sunday.

For more information, visit the Red Lake Community Pow Wow Facebook or email ripowwowcircle@gmail.com.

June 16-18, 2023
Rainy River First Nations Pow Wow, Emo, ON

Located at Manitou Rapids, this year’s Pow Wow will host the Manitou Rapids Traditional Drums with the Smokey Mountain Singers & Red Cloud.

For more information, visit the Rainy River First Nations Pow Wow Council Facebook.

June 17, 2023
Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow, Toronto, ON

This Pow Wow takes place at Fort York in recognition of Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day. Grand Entry is at 12 pm. Admission is free and open to everyone.

For more information, visit the Na-Me-Res Facebook.

June 17-18, 2023
Aamjiwnaang 60th Annual Pow Wow, Sarnia, ON

This year’s Pow Wow will take place at the Maawn Doosh Gumig Community and Youth Centre. Gates open at 10 am both days. Grand Entry is at noon both days.

For more information, visit the Aamjiwnaang Facebook or phone 519-336-8410.

June 21, 2023
Georgian Bay 20th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Midland, ON

Saint-Marie Park is the site for this year's Pow Wow. Grand Entry at 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Admission is free for all.

For more information, visit the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre website.

June 21st, 2023
Batchewana First Nation National Anishinaabe Day Pow Wow, St. Mary’s Island

Grand entry at 12 pm. Host drum Under the Pines. Honourariums for Drum and Dancers in regalia. Vendors welcome. Everyone welcome. Don’t forget to bring a reusable water cup and chair!

See their Facebook page for more info.

June 22-26, 2023
Couchiching First Nation's 30th Annual Traditional Pow-wow, Couchiching First Nations Reserve, ON

This three-day pow wow will take place on the Couchiching First Nations Reserve, near Fort Frances.

For more information, visit the Couchiching First Nation Facebook.

June 24, 2023
Soaring Spirit Pow Wow, Hamilton, ON

Battlefield Park will be the site of this Pow Wow, which is free and runs from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

For more information, email museums@hamilton.ca or phone 905-521-3168.

June 24-25, 2023
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Competition Pow Wow, Nepean, ON

Located at Mādahòkì Farm in Nepean. Grand Entries will be on Saturday at 12 pm & 6 pm & on Sunday at 12 pm. Singing, dancing and drumming competitions with over $75,000 in prizes.

For more information, visit the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival website.

June 24-25, 2023
Dokis First Nation 21st Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Parry Sound, ON

This year's Pow Wow features inter-tribal dancing. Rough camping available.

For more information, visit the Dokis First Nation Facebook.

July

July 1-2, 2023
G’Chimnissing Islands in the Sun Pow Wow, Christian Island, ON

This year’s Pow Wow will take place just west of Midland on G’Chimnissing land.

For more information, visit the G’Chimnissing News Facebook.

July 7-8, 2023
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Pow Wow, Pic River Reserve, ON

This annual traditional Pow Wow takes place at the Pic River First Nation Reserve and welcomes all dancers and visitors.

For more information, visit the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Website.

July 7-9, 2023
Naotkamegwanning First Nation 50th Anniversary Pow Wow, Whitefish Bay, ON

Located at Whitefish Bay on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation land, this annual Pow Wow will feature the Tommy White Memorial Drum Contest.

For more information, visit the Naotkamegwanning First Nation Facebook.

July 8-9, 2023
Kettle and Stony Point Pow Wow - Honouring the Nimkii Waawnoon, Kettle Point, ON

This two-day Pow Wow is located along the shores of Lake Huron. Grand Entry is at noon on Saturday and 7 pm then on Sunday at noon. Rough camping is available.

For more information, visit the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Facebook or contact Melodie at 519-786-2125

July 9-10, 2023
Alderville First Nation 28th Annual Pow Wow, Alderville, ON

Grand Entry is at 12 pm each day. Rough Camping is available.

For more information, visit the Alderville First Nation Website.

July 15-16, 2023
Mississaugas of Scogog Island First Nation 25th Annual Pow Wow, Scugog, ON

This Pow Wow takes place at the Scugog Island First Nation Pow Wow Grounds. Grand Entry on Saturday at 12 pm and 7 pm, then on Sunday at 12 pm. Admission is $10 or $5 for youth and elders.

For more information, visit the MSIFN Facebook or e-mail info@scugogfirstnation.com.

July 15-16, 2023
Mississauga First Nation 42nd Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Blind River, ON

Grand Entry is at 12 pm and 7 pm on Saturday and at 12 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. Rustic camping available.

For more information, visit the Mississauga First Nation Facebook or call 705-356-1621.

July 21-23, 2023
Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow, Ohsweken, ON

Located at the Ohsweken Speedway, this year's Pow Wow is open to everyone and has its Grand Entry at noon on both Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit the Grand River Champion of Champions Website.

August

August 4-6, 2023
Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Pic Mobert, ON

Grand Entry is at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

For more information, visit the Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Website or call 807-822-2134.

August 5-7, 2023
Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival Pow Wow, Manitoulin Island, ON

Grand Entry is at noon each day. Various presentations, workshops, dances and vendors. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children, and free admission for children under 6 and elders over 65.

For more information, contact the Wiikwemikong Heritage Organization at (705) 859-2385 or visit the Wiikwemikong Heritage Facebook.

August 12-13, 2023
Saugeen First Nation 50th Annual Pow wow, Saugeen, ON

Grand Entry Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and Saturday at noon. Live music by the Sapsuckers from 8pm to 11pm. Held at The James Mason Memorial Cultural Centre. Rough camping is also available.

August 12-13, 2023
Genaabaajiing Traditional Pow Wow, Serpent River First Nation, ON

Grand Entry at noon both days.

For more information, visit the Genaabaajiing Traditional Pow Wow Facebook.

Aug 12-13, 2023
Algonquin Peoples 29th Annual All Nations Gathering, Whitefish Lake, ON

This year's celebrations will be in Algonquin Park and the theme is "Rebuilding Our Nation Through Our Ancestors, Elders & Children". Grand Entry is at 1 pm on Saturday. Admission is $8.

For more information, visit the Whitney Area Algonquins Facebook or phone 623-637-1453.

Aug 12-13, 2023
36th Annual Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow: Rekindling our Fire, Tyendinaga Reserve, ON

After a three-year hiatus, the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte are reviving their traditional Pow Wow. It will be held at Tsi Tkerhetoton Park on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Grand Entry will be at noon both days. All are welcome. No pets allowed. Admission is $10 and free for those under 12 or over 55.

For more information, visit the Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow Facebook or email ains4310@yahoo.com.

August 18-20, 2023
Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Pow Wow, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, ON

Grand Entry is at 5 pm on Friday and at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. This year’s theme is “Building New Relationships”.

For more information, visit the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Facebook.

Aug 18-20, 2023
Chippewas of Nawash 37th Annual Traditional Pow Wow, Neyaashiinigmiing, ON

Cape Crocker Park will be the site of this year's Pow Wow with its theme, "Honouring our Veterans". Grand Entry is at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation Facebook.

Aug 19-20, 2023
Shawanaga Traditional Pow Wow, Shawanaga First Nation, ON

Grand Entry is at noon both days.

For more information, visit the Shawanaga First Nation Facebook or email cultural.hc@shawanagafirstnation.ca.

Aug 19-20, 2023
Wahnapitae First Nation 28th Annual Pow Wow, Wahnapitae First Nation, ON

Located on the Pow Wow grounds of Wahnapitae First Nation. Grand Entry is at noon on both days.

For more information, visit the Wahnapitae First Nation Facebook.

Aug 19-20, 2023
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Pow Wow, Pikwakanagan, ON

Grand Entry at noon both days. Admission is $6 or free for children 12 years and under. Camping available overnight on the grounds.

For more information, visit the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan website.

Aug 19-20, 2023
Ginoogaming First Nation David Charles Traditional Pow Wow 2023, Longlac, ON

David Charles Traditional Pow Wow will take place at Ginoogaming First Nation.
Free admission. Gates open at 10 am & grand entry is at 12 pm Saturday.
Honorarium will be provided for dancers and singers. The first 5 registered drums will receive an honorarium.

For more information, visit the Ginoogaming First Nation website.

Aug 26-27, 2023
Matachewan First Nation Pow Wow, Matachewan, ON

This year's theme is "Grateful for Water".

For more information, visit the Matachewan First Nation Website. or email matachewanpowwow@gmail.com

Aug 26-27, 2023
Chippewas of the Rama First Nation Pow Wow, Orillia, ON

All are welcome! Held on Chippewas of Rama First Nation territory, at the John Snake Memorial Community Multi-Purpose Grounds. Admission is $10 per day or $15 for the weekend.

For more information, visit the Rama Pow Wow Facebook or call 705-325-3611.

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Editor's note: Please check back this spring for the full 2023 calendar.

Pow Wows are back in 2023. Filled with joy, ceremony, and fellowship, these cultural gatherings are an important part of Indigenous identity and tradition for many First Nations communities.

Attending a Pow Wow either as a respectful guest or as a participant is a special way to experience Indigenous culture.

Here is a partial list of upcoming Ontario Pow Wows in 2022. Don’t see yours? Please let us know so we can add it.

2023 ontario pow wows

may

May 27, 2023
2-Spirit Pow Wow, Toronto
The 2nd Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow will be held at Downsview Park in Toronto from 10am to 6pm and will be hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations.

For more information, visit the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations Facebook.

june

June 10-11, 2023
Henvey Inlet First Nations 20th Annual Inter-Tribal Pow Wow
Located at French River Reserve No. 13, one hour north of Perry Sound, the theme of this years pow wow is "A Mother's Love is at The Heart of Our Nation". Grand entry on Saturday at 1pm, 7pm & Sunday at 12pm. Honorariums to all dancers and the first five registered drum groups. Camping is available on site.

For more information, visit the Henvey Inlet Pow Wow Facebook.

June 10-11, 2023
Maamwi Kindaaswin "Learning Together" Pow Wow
This 15th annual pow wow will once again take place at Lee Park in North Bay and is a free family event. The theme this year is "Celebrating Our Growth". There will be sunrise ceremonies, dancing, music, indigenous vendors, and a feast on Saturday.

For more information, visit the Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow Facebook.

June 22-26, 2023
Couchiching First Nation's 30th Annual Traditional Pow-wow
This three day pow wow will take place on the Couchiching First Nations Reserve, near Fort Frances

For more information, visit the Couchiching First Nation Facebook

June 24-25, 2023
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival Competition Pow Wow
Located at Mādahòkì Farm in Nepean. Grand Entries will be on Saturday at 12:00pm & 6:00pm & on Sunday at 12pm. Singing, dancing and drumming competitions with over $75,000 in prizes.

For more information, visit the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival website

AUGUST

Aug 19-20, 2023
Ginoogaming First Nation David Charles Traditional Pow Wow 2023

David Charles Traditional Pow Wow will take place at Ginoogaming First Nation, Chapais Point Road, Longlac, ON
Free admission. Gates open at 10 am & grand entry is at 12 pm Saturday.
Honorarium will be provided for dancers and singers. First 5 registered drums will receive honorarium.

For more information, visit the Ginoogaming First Nation website

2022 ontario pow wows

May

May 21-23, 2022
Walpole Island First Nation 28^th Annual Spring Pow-Wow
Bkejwanong M’nookmig Jiintamook

Grand Entry is Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm and 7 pm, and Monday at 11 am. Host Drum is Snake Island.

For more information, visit Walpole Island Facebook and see this post.

June

June 4, 2022
2-Spirit Pow Wow, Toronto

Held at Downsview Park from 10 am to 6 pm, this is Toronto’s first 2-Spirit Pow Wow, hosted by 2-Spirited People of the 1^st Nations.

For more information, visit 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations on Facebook.

June 4-5, 2022
Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow, Sault Ste. Marie

This 17^th Annual Pow Wow is hosted by Shingwauk Anishnaabe Students’ Association. Host drum is Cree Confederation and co-host drum is Bear Creek.

For more information visit Shingwauk Students on Facebook.

June 10-12, 2022
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation Annual Traditional Powwow

Visit Facebook for more information.

June 11-12, 2022
Henvey Inlet First Nation 19^th Annual Traditional Pow Wow

Located 45 minutes south of Sudbury and one hour north of Parry Sound, this Pow Wow has an “honouring our men” theme. Host drum is Thunder Earth and Co-host Drum is Black Bull Moose. Grand Entry is Saturday at 12 pm and the community feast is at 5 pm. Camping is available.

For more information, contact kmquabble@gmail.com or visit Facebook.

June 11-12, 2022
14^th Maamwi Kindaaswin Pow Wow, North Bay

Held at Lee Park, this Pow Wow hosted by the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre will have dancing, drumming, craft vendors and food trucks, as well as a sunrise ceremony.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

June 11-12, 2022
Spirit of the Drum Powwow, Smith Falls

Learn more about Indigenous culture and history in Smiths Falls this summer as the popular Spirit of the Drum Powwow is back again this year. Head to Duck and Turtle Islands to watch Indigenous dancers dance to the beat of a traditional drumming circle—you can even join in the dancing yourself and be part of the experience.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

June 17-18, 2022
Red Lake Anishinaape Pow Wow Circle Annual Pow Wow 2022, Red Lake

Held at Keesic Beach (also known as Kinsmen Beach), Grand Entry is at 6 pm on Friday and 12 pm on Saturday. There is a potluck feast at 5 pm.

For more information email rlpowwowcircle@gmail.com or visit Red Lake Community Pow Wow on Facebook.

June 18-19, 2022
59^th Annual Aamjiwnaang Pow Wow 2022, Sarnia

Gates open at 10 am, Grand Entry is at 12 pm, and 6 pm Saturday and 12 pm on Sunday. Expect dancing, singing, authentic food, and vendors. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, contact Tracy Williams, twilliams@aamjiwnaang.ca or www.aamjiwnaang.ca

June 24, 25, & 26
Couchiching First Nation 29th Annual Pow-wow

Visit Facebook for more information.

June 25-26, 2022
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, Ottawa

For more information, visit Summer Solstice Festivals.

July

July 8-10, 2022
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Powwow, Pic River First Nation

For more information, call or text Shannon at 807-228-1396 see this post, or visit the Pic River website.

July 9-10, 2022
Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Annual Pow Wow

The 50th annual Pow Wow hosted by Kettle and Stony Point First Nation is on for 2022! Details and updates can be found here https://kettlepoint.org/powwow/.

July 15-17, 2022
Opwaaganisninng Lake Helen 30^th Pow Wow, Red Rock

Grand Entry is on Saturday at 1 pm and 7 pm, and at 12 pm on Sunday. There is a feast both Saturday and Sunday. The Host Drum is Northern Cree and the Co-Host Drum is Little Creek.

For more information, contact Gloria Lindstrom at 807-252-9097 or gubby@live.ca, or Red Rock Indian Band on Facebook.

July 23-24, 2022
Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow

This year's event will be held at the Ohsweken Speedway. Gates open daily at 10 am. For more information visit Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow.

July 23-24, 2022
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek 35th Annual Jiingtamok

Traditional gathering held at Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Naughton/Sudbury). Saturday Grand Entry at 12 pm and 6 pm. Sunday Grand Entry at 12 pm. Everyone is welcome!

July 29, 30, 31, 2022
34th Annual Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg Powwow

The community annual powwow will be happening again this year. Admission is free. Grand entry on Saturday at 1 and 7 pm. Sunday at 1 pm.

Taking place on the pow-wow Grounds, Pic Mobert, ON (North Off Hwy#17, 25 km West. of White River. 3kms East of Mobert Road Turnoff).

August

August 12-14, 2022
Ogimaawabiitong’s 3^rd Annual Healing Your Spirit Pow Wow, Kenora

Host Drum is Zhaawaanong Binesiik and co-host drums are Whitefish Jrs and Cree Confederation. The invited drum is Whitefish Bay Singers.

For more information, contact danika.crow@kenorachiefs.org or see this Facebook post.

August 20-21, 2022
Three Fires Pow Wow

Three Fire Homecoming. Hosted by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Hagersville. Check out the Three Fires Homecoming Pow Wow & Traditional Gathering Facebook Group for more information.

August 20-21, 2022
33rd Annual Traditional Pow-Wow, Pikwakanagan

Taking place at the Pikwakanagan First Nation, 2 km off Hwy 60 at Golden Lake. Grand entry: Saturday at 12 pm and 7 pm, Sunday at 12 pm. Head dancers Blaze Commanda and Francis Sarazin. Celebrating our resistance. Spaces for craft and food vendors are limited. Get in touch to register.
Admission is free but donations will be graciously accepted!

See the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Facebook page for more information.

August 27-28, 2022
Rama Pow Wow 2022

For more information, visit Rama Pow Wow on Facebook.