It's Powwow Time!

Arts & Culture, Fashion, Indigenous Lens

Posted By Jasmyn Albert , August 27, 2025

For many Canadians they have seen the bright colours, smooth moves and heard the sound of the drum within the Powwow circle, but they wonder if that’s a place they are welcome.

I am here to tell you YES! Astum (“Come” in Cree!)

What is a Powwow?

A powwow is a gathering ceremony held in communities across Turtle Island. This has been a long-standing gathering where people come from far and wide and dance their style and share their songs. Long ago, these were gatherings held for people to trade, connect and heal. They are still often held in that nature.

Although it was against the law for Indigenous people to gather and share these wonderful moments together from 1884-1951. Although that seems like ages ago, during this time many generations lost access to their families songs, and traditions. There was a time when only adults would dance because the younger generations did not grow up with those traditions. Seeing all the ages, from tiny tots to the golden age, dancing is an act of resilience.

Types of Powwows

There are two types of Powwows held present day. Traditional Powwows are gatherings where there is no competition. All the dancers are compensated and honoured for sharing their good medicine. Competition Powwows are held, and each dancer and drum group brings their best moves and songs to make some good money. Individual dancers and families sometimes host specials at these powwows and offer prizes for those competing. These powwows are still sacred, and the dancers are bringing good healing energy for those present.

_{^{Photo Credit: Jojo 22sis Photography}}

Before you Go

Now that you know some history, let's get into some "need to know" topics regarding attending a powwow. While the gathering is open to all to observe and at times participate, they are drug and alcohol free spaces. Due to the sacredness of the ceremonies happening throughout the gathering, as well as the regalia worn by the dancers, it is asked that, out of respect, people do not attend while under the influence.

Do not touch people's regalia or outfits, and I know they are so vibrant and really pull you in, but just like our parents would say when we were kids, "look with your eyes not your hands". Again they are sacred! They hold great importance to the person wearing it.

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Watch, Listen & Learn

Watch and listen, the MCs are constantly sharing stories and some deadly dad jokes. You will gain a great understanding of many parts of the gathering by listening! The MCs often share stories of the dances or the songs sung by each drum group.

Support Local

Support your local artists, this might be my favourite part, but the shopping you can do at all the local vendors is amazing! From art, beadwork, ribbonwork, food and crafting supplies, you can find all sorts of amazing things at the vendor booths! Do a lap or two and see just how skilled your local Indigenous community members are.

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Upcoming Powwows

Some upcoming gatherings in Saskatoon are:

The 2nd Annual Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate Wacipi on August 27th-28th, 2025, at SaskTel Centre.
The Every Child Matters Annual Powwow from September 28th-30th, 2025, at SaskTel Centre.

These are two great community gatherings to come out and attend!

_{^{Photo Credit: Sik Pics}}

Now ASTUM!! Come and learn, celebrate and take in all the wonderful vibes the Powwow has to offer.

Arts & Culture, Fashion, Indigenous Lens

The Author

Jasmyn Albert

Jasmyn Albert is Plains Cree, Metis and of settler decent. With connection to Pelican Lake First Nation, and member of MNS. She is a Mother to 3 beautiful children, and raises her niece and nephew. She has been sober since 2020 and continues to advocate for sobriety. Jasmyn grew up learning many cultural teachings from her Kokum as well as elders she was fortunate to listen to. She began sharing her gifts in 2011 and has spoken at many gatherings both large and small. Jasmyn believes it is important to share her culture and the Néhiyaw world view through fostering kinship and community in a good way.

Follow Jasmyn along at @jasmyn.grace2222 and @nohkum_okiskinohamowina