Powwows are a community celebration and drumming ceremony that have existed for generations. The powwow draws people together and is a forum for the First Peoples of this country to express their solidarity and cultural heritage.

I’m Lil’wat and have been going to powwows since I was too young to even remember. My family and I usually attend about 10 powwows a year, both locally and in other communities. Anyone can attend a powwow and may choose to participate in what’s called the Intertribal Dance, an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous to dance together.

The most common and recognizable songs performed at powwows are inspired by the Spirit and sung for everyone. Many songs have a long history withing the tribes and among the honour warriors. All must stand during a veterans’ song, sung to honour an individual for their accomplishments, someone who has passed, or a family.

Some examples of prominent powwow groups include the Northern Cree Singers; the Bear Creek Singers; the Black Bear Singers; the Red Bull Singers; the Midnite Express Singers; The Boyz; and the Young Spirit Singers. My favourite powwow group is the Halluci Nation, formerly known as A Tribe Called Red. Their songs are really good and make me want to attend powwows more often. 

When drumming the rhythm of a song, the beats represent the performer’s emotions. Making a drum is an important part of preparing for a powwow. People learn the skill and teach others to make drums, so the tradition can grow. 

People also sell hoodies, hats and other custom-made accessories at powwows that feature their Nation’s logo, so other people know where they are from. The Lil’wat Nation logo celebrates our mountains, animals, and people.

I feel chills every time I hear my favourite song at a powwow. Called “Grand Entry,” it was written relatively recently, in 1997. All powwows begin with a grand entry, when all the dancers enter a circle, led by the veterans and head dancers. 

When I go to powwows, I feel power from the singing, and I feel a spirit guiding me through the day.

This article was written by Patrick Smith, and was published in the Pique newsmagazine issue 30.24 on June 16, 2023.

This article was written by Aidan Ducharme, and was published in the Pique newsmagazine issue 30.24 on June 16, 2023.