A Guide to Pembina Trails Pow Wow

Pembina Trails School Division is proud to host its inaugural Pow Wow on May 27 at Fort Richmond Collegiate in partnership with The Winnipeg Foundation and Makoon Transition Inc.  

Details

Pipe Ceremony – 4 p.m.

Feast – 4:30 p.m.

Dancer Registration – 5 to 6 p.m.

Grand Entry – 6 p.m.

Closing Ceremony – 8 p.m.

What to expect

Pow Wows are welcoming gatherings open to all, and they offer a meaningful way to experience First Nations culture. These events are lively and colourful, bringing together many Nations to share in song, dance, and connection with family and friends.

If you’re attending a Pow Wow for the first time, here are some helpful guidelines:

Arrival
Doors open at 3:45 p.m.

Children
All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Feast
Our Pow Wow will begin with a community feast, and everyone is welcome to attend. Sharing food is an important part of connection and respect within the community.

Follow the MC
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) will guide the event. They’ll explain the order of activities, introduce songs, and let everyone know when to stand, sit, dance, or refrain from activities like photography.

Regalia 
What dancers wear is called regalia, and it carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Please do not touch regalia, hair, or drums unless you’ve been clearly invited to do so.

Photography 
Always ask before taking photos or videos of individuals. During certain sacred moments such as prayers or honour songs, photography may not be permitted.

The Dance Arena
The central dance area is reserved for dancing and for taking part in intertribal songs. Please don’t walk across it or allow children to play there.

Seating 
Some seating may be set aside for Elders, dancers, and drummers. Dancers may also mark their space with blankets. Be mindful and allow room for regalia, especially feathers.

Fallen feathers
If an eagle feather falls, it is treated with great respect. The MC or Arena Director will pause the event and arrange for its proper retrieval through ceremony. This moment should not be recorded.

Intertribal dances
When an intertribal dance is announced, everyone is welcome to take part. This is a great opportunity to join in respectfully.

Local vendors
Local vendors will be on site at the Pow Wow, and buying food and handmade goods from them helps support Indigenous families and communities.

If you’re ever unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to ask the MC, Arena Director, host drum, or head dancers. They’re there to help and will gladly answer your questions.