Each year hundreds of Dancers, numerous Drums and thousands of spectators join in the festivities to celebrate the Annual Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Traditional Pow Wow.

Spectators, drummers and dancers travel hundreds of miles to join our celebration held during the third weekend in August. Travelers camp overnight on the grounds or locate accommodations in near by towns.

The Pow Wow is a large attraction and takes months to prepare. A Committee begins preparations early in the year. A Master of Ceremonies and a Spiritual Advisor help lead the annual celebration. Last year Fred McGregor of Kitigan-Zibi functioned as MC for the event and Jim Windigo, from Fort Frances, was our Spiritual Advisor.

Days prior to the celebration the Sacred Fire is lit and remains ablaze for four straight days. Volunteers take on the responsibility of tending the Sacred Fire. An Evening Social is held on Friday and festivities include the Initiation of New Dancers and New Regalia.

The Grand Entry begins at noon on both Saturday and Sunday. Drums are constantly beating. Invited Drum guests have included the Twin Fires, the Akwesasne Singers, the Keepers of the Eastern Door, and the Mohawk Singers. Community Drums may include the All Nations Drum (Elders), The Kichesippirini Ramblers and the Spirit Wolf, a youth Drum.

Visually the Pow Wow is astounding. The dancers may include Traditional, Grass, Ribbon, Jingle Dress, and Fancy Shawl as well as Hoop Dancers. Participants come from all age groups. The Pow Wow is a community and family affair. Dance, song, food, drink, and crafts are available for guests and participants.

Vendor booths are available and sell a variety of native based art, clothing, jewelry and crafts. Vendors come in from all over the region to display their skill and crafts. The work is wonderful and many items are unique and handcrafted. Items for sale include t-shirts, hats and sweaters, jewelry, beadwork, leather purses, stone sculptures, Regalia, Drums, recorded music, framed artwork, postcards, paintings, silver, hair decorations, beads, Dreamcatchers, moccasins, fleece and more.

Aside from the dance, food and song of the Pow Wow, please remember that this is a ceremony. The songs that are sung and the dances that are danced are prayers to the Creator. The Grand Entry is a ceremony, so is the lighting of the Sacred Fire. Many people will approach the Spiritual Leader for prayers for their health or that of their family.

There are rules that govern a Pow Wow as well. All dancing revolves clockwise from the entrance, situated in the east, around the central arbour. No alcohol, drugs or pets are permitted on the Pow Wow grounds. Carrying flags and staffs in the Grand Entry is an honour. Songs are sung for fallen Veterans and for those returning from battle. The flags and staffs are retired each day at sunset.


Note: (from the book Anishnabe 101, by The Circle of Turtle Lodge)

"It is important that the clothing, footwear, head dresses, etc. that a dancer wears be referred to as 'regalia' and not as a 'costume'. A costume is something for any actor to wear as he/she pretends to be someone else. A dancer's regalia is a collection of gifts that honour his or her spiritual name and/or clan. Each is considered as sacred, and when worn together, the dancer becomes who he or she truly is, for all to see."


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