Join us at the Nbisiing Nishnaabeg 37th Annual Dewegigewaad on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, 2025 for a weekend of winmaage naadziwin kendaaswin (“passing down traditional knowledge”) through song, dance, and community spirit.
Features
- NFN’s new redressed Eagle Staff, commissioned by Dan Commanda, will be introduced at the Sunrise Ceremony at 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the lodge at 65 Juniper Crescent, Garden Village. A feast will follow at 11 a.m.
- Host Drum: Ottawa River Singers
- Co-Host Drum: Black Bull Moose
- Invited drums: Juniper Singers, Boys from the Island, and High Tide
- Over 40 craft vendors, and 6 food vendors
Events
Times are approximate and subject to change.
Thursday, August 28
- 5:45 a.m. – Sunrise ceremony (Tiipii at Garden Village baseball field – 36 Semo Rd., Garden Village)
Friday, August 29
- 5:45 a.m. – Sunrise ceremony (Tiipii at Garden Village baseball field – 36 Semo Rd., Garden Village)
Saturday, August 30
- 5:45 a.m. – Sunrise ceremony (Tiipii at Garden Village baseball field – 36 Semo Rd., Garden Village)
- 11:00 a.m. – First-Time Dancers Special
- Noon – Redressed Eagle Staff is introduced in the Pow Wow arena followed by remarks from Dan Commanda and Peter Beaucage, and an honour dance for those who contributed to redressing the Eagle Staff.
- 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Various category dances and intertribals
Gillian Prince OWL 40th Anniversary Special - 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Supper break
Two-Man Band Singing Special (The Beaudette Family) - 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Saturday Night Live
Singing Special
Teen Girls Fancy Special, hosted by Jacie Martel
Old Style Jingle Special (18+), hosted by Kelsey Borgford
Sunday, August 31
- 5:45 a.m. – Sunrise ceremony (Tiipii at Garden Village baseball field – 36 Semo Rd., Garden Village)
- Noon – 5:00 p.m. – Various category dances and intertribals
- 5:00 p.m. – Giveaway
Parking
Parking is available at the Sweetgrass Miikan Parking Lot. There is rough trail access to the Pow Wow ground or a shuttle is available Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Parking Map
Please note: Overnight parking is permitted in all locations, but it is at your own risk.
Camping
If you plan to camp overnight, please contact [email protected] to confirm your location. All campers must register with [email protected]. We ask campers to be respectful, courteous, and maintain a clean campsite. Portable toilets will be available near the NFN Food Bank (19 Philip Ave., Garden Village) and Holy Spirit Church (285 Ted Commanda Dr., Garden Village).
Filming Notice
A film crew will be present at the 37th Annual Pow Wow on Saturday, August 30 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Please note: filming is not permitted during the sunrise ceremony, grand entry, or any special/traditional protocols. The MC will announce when filming is permitted.
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB): Filming Living Memory, a four-part short documentary series directed by Evelyn Pakinewatik, an NFN Member.
By entering the Pow Wow grounds, attendees consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded, and acknowledge that these images may be used for promotional, archival, or broadcast purposes by the event organizers and their authorized crews.
If you prefer not to be filmed, please inform either one of the following contacts:
NFB Producer: Niki Little (anishininew)
Phone: 431-279-2363 | Email: [email protected]
Director: Evelyn Pakinewatik
Email: [email protected]
Canopies Notice
Pow Wow is approaching, and set-up is underway. Canopies may be set up beginning Thursday, August 28 at 3:00 p.m. Please note that setting up your canopy is at your own risk.
Protocols
This is a drug- and alcohol-free event. No animals are allowed unless they are service animals. Please contact [email protected] if you have a service animal.
