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TFN ANNUAL POW-WOW

Pow Wows are cultural celebrations that bring people of all ages together to showcase and celebrate the rich traditions of Indigenous Peoples and Nations across Turtle Island, also known as North America. These dynamic events are a source of pride and serve as a platform for sharing and preserving the unique heritage of Indigenous communities.
At the heart of Pow Wows are the mesmerizing sounds of the drums, which reverberate throughout the gathering, setting the rhythm and energy for the dances that take place. The beat of the drums echoes the heartbeat of the community, connecting everyone present to their shared history and culture.
The dances performed at Pow Wows are a vibrant display of movement and symbolism. Each dance holds its own significance, representing different aspects of Indigenous culture, such as hunting, storytelling, or honoring ancestors. The dancers, adorned in colorful and intricately designed regalia, gracefully move in sync with the music, creating a captivating spectacle for all to witness.
In addition to the captivating performances, Pow Wows also offer an opportunity to indulge in the delectable cuisine of Indigenous Peoples. Traditional foods like bannock, Indian tacos, moose burgers and fish are often served, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of the land and experience the cultural significance of these culinary delights.
Crafts and artwork are another integral part of Pow Wows, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of Indigenous artisans. From intricately beaded jewelry and handcrafted clothing to intricate pottery and traditional instruments, these crafts reflect the deep connection Indigenous Peoples have with their land and heritage.
Pow Wows serve as a significant platform for fostering inter-generational connections and passing down cultural knowledge to younger generations. It is a time for Indigenous communities to come together, celebrate their resilience, and reaffirm their identities in a world that often overlooks their contributions and struggles.
In conclusion, Pow Wows are cultural celebrations that showcase the drums, dance, regalia, food, and crafts of Indigenous Peoples and Nations across Turtle Island. They are an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, learn, and appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous communities. These dynamic events serve as a powerful reminder of the strength, pride, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that their traditions and culture continue to thrive for generations to come.

Question you may have about our PowWow


The Timiskaming First Nation's Annual Pow-Wow is the Second Weekend in August (Sat-Sun).
 
Saturday, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Where is the Powwow located?
The Powwow is held at the TFN Pow-Wow Grounds.
9 Algonquin Ave
 

Where should I park?
Parking areas is clearly marked

 

Is there be camping available?
Yes, rough camping will be available. It is free for the weekend. Security will be available all weekend.
 

Will there be showers on-site for campers?
Yes the Showers are located in the same area as the camp ground If you need help locating them, ask a volunteer or security at the camp or camping area.
 

Does it camping cost anything?
no cost to anyone (this event is free)

Note: These donations help offset the cost of operation for the pow wow. The cost to hold this cultural celebration is approximately $75,000+ each year. This includes the rental of equipment such as speakers, bleachers, stage equipment, permits, security, generators, lavatory units, the contest payout to dancers, drum day pay and much more. Without these, the pow wow would cease to continue.
 

Where can I found out what the Dance “Specials” will be?
please contact members of the Pow-Wow Committee.


You can find the “Special” listed on the PowWow event page.
Note: “Specials” refer to special contests sponsored by the pow wow committee or community member(s) or families. For example, sometimes family sponsors a contest of their choosing. Or a family is sponsor a special contest in honor of a loved one or for a dancers “coming out”.
 

What is a “coming out”?
A dancer’s coming out refers to that dancer joining the dance circle as a serious dancer. A dancer can have a coming out special at any age.
 

Can spectators dance/participate in the Powwow?
Yes, everyone is welcome to dance in the Intertribal Dance. Listen to the MC to announces an “Intertribal” dance, please come join dancers in the dance circle. Rounds of Intertribal dancing usually take place between the demonstration and speial dances.
 

What is a Regalia?
Regalia is the proper term to use when referring to a dancer’s outfit. Please do not call it a costume. Dancers may find it offensive.
 

Can I take pictures?
you can take pictures during much of the pow wow. If you are not sure always ask, since taking pictures of some activities is not allowed. Please ask dancers if it is OK to take his/her picture before hand.

Note: During certain ceremonial dances, honor dances or prayers the MC may request that no pictures be taken. Please respect the MC's request.
What is a Powwow?

What is a “Grand Entry”?
Although pow wows may differ, depending on the location or type, the following is the system used by the TFN Pow-Wow and many other pow wows. First the eagle staff is carried into the circle, followed by the , Canadian, American, Provincial. Nation flags and Special Flags, followed by the Head Male and Head Female Elders, Veterans, Head man & Head woman dancers. Next followed by seniors dancers Men’s category, Women’s category, then Adult Men’s Categories (Traditional, Grass, Fancy) followed by Adult Women’s categories (Traditional, Jingle, Fancy), teen boys and girls, Junior boys and girls, finally tiny tots.
 

What is a Flag Song?
When the Grand Entry song ends, there is a flag song, an equivalent of the National anthem. Everyone will be asked to stand and remove hats, unless the hat has an eagle feather attached.
 

What is an Honor Song?
Note: Spectators should always stand and remove their caps or hats during and Honor Song. As the name suggests, Honor Songs are requested at the pow wow/celebration to honor someone. Perhaps a family would request an honor song for a community member who is sick or in memory of a deceased relative.
 

What are the different dance styles?


 Men’s Traditional dance is just that: a traditional dance held over from times when war parties would return to the village and dance out the story of the battle, or hunters would return and dance their story of tracking an enemy or prey. Tradition dancers wear a circular bustle of eagle feathers, representing cycles and the unity of everything. The eagle feather spikes on the bustle point upward, representing a channel between the Great Spirit and all things on earth. Traditional dancers often carry shields, weapons, honor staffs and medicine wheels.
 

 Men’s Fancy dance is a relatively new dance. Fancy Dancers wear brightly colored feather bustles. This dance is based on the standard double step of the traditional grass dances but it takes off from there with fancy footwork, increased speed, acrobatic steps and motions, and varied body movements. The Fancy Dance is also a freestyle kind of dance.
 

 Men’s Grass dance is very popular. Dancer’s outfits feature a good deal of colorful fringe and many wear the hair roach. The Dance involves the ball of one foot being tapped on one beat and places down flatly with the next and repeated with the other foot without missing a beat. The dancers should also keep their heads moving either up or down with the beat.
 

Women’s Traditional dance is a very proud and regal dance. The women’s traditional often includes the Coast Salish and Alaskan dancers in this Category. Regalia’s are made up of either fully beaded buckskin tops, Cloth long fringe, or coastal button blankets. The temp and steps are often slower than other dances and the movement is a steady short step or sometimes stationary.
 

Women’s Fancy Shawl dance is a relatively new addition to the dance competition. The outfit consists of a decorative knee-length cloth dress, beaded moccasins with matching leggings, a fancy shawl and various pieces of jewelry. The dance itself is similar to the men's fancy dance , and the style is moving toward more movement and especially spinning. Footwork is the chief element of the dance.
 

Women’s Jingle dance according to one account, originated from a holy mans dream of 4 women wearing jingle dresses appeared before him. The dress spread out from the Ojibway territories. The dress consists traditionally of 365 metal cones or jingles and symbolize each day of the year. Contemporary dresses will have various amounts of jingles.

How Can I Help?
VOLUNTEERS. the TFN Annual Pow-Wow can always use happy energetic volunteers. If you are a student who is looking to volunteer hours and would like to get some experience in the working of a powwow, sign up to volunteer! If you are looking to learn more about the culture and would like to connect with our great indigenous community sign up to volunteer! If you would like to build or working out doors sign up to volunteer for set up and break down! There are many different opportunities for Volunteers! Email our Volunteer Coordinator

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