An El Nino is forecast for later this summer. Hopefully things won’t get too hot and dry, but to help everyone make the most of the nice weather we do have, here’s a list of pow wows and other celebrations of Indigenous history and culture that are happening in Saskatchewan. /Gregory Beatty
St. Victor Petroglyph Displays
St. Victor / June thru September
This site includes historic Indigenous rock art and an interpretative centre.
Canoe Lake Traditional Pow Wow
Beauval / June 16 – 18
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Regina / June 21
This outdoor event in Victoria Park and City Square Plaza runs from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and is presented by the Regina Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Network. The day includes an Indigenous Craft Fair, live entertainment by Creeland Dancers, Dean Smith Band, Kawacatoose Boys with guest host Zoey Roy, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Saskatoon / June 21
This celebration is hosted by Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre with participation from the City of Saskatoon. The event is free and open to all, and includes live cultural performances, an elder tent, Indigenous vendors and more. Runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Victoria Park.
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Wanuskewin Heritage Park / June 21
This celebration will feature live cultural performances, guided and self-guided tours, traditional games, an archaeology table, a keynote by storyteller Terry Bear-Linklater and more. Runs 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission by donation.
NIPD Traditional Pow Wow
North Battleford / June 21
This celebration is hosted by the North Battleford Western Development Museum on the grounds of the Heritage Farm and Village. Grand entry is at 11 a.m. Admission by donation. Proceeds to Star Children.
Matriarch’s Summit & Healing Gathering
Wanuskewin Heritage Park / June 20 – 22
This three-day event opens with a tipi raising and includes shared ceremonies and teachings to recognize the importance of matriarchs to Indigenous history and culture.
Kahkewistahaw First Nation Pow Wow
Broadview / June 23 – 25
Muskeg Lake Veterans Memorial Pow Wow
Leask / July 1 – 2
One Arrow First Nation Traditional Pow Wow
Batoche / July 1 – 2
Red Pheasant Competition Pow Wow
Cando / July 4 – 6
Zagime Anishinabek Competition Pow Wow
Grenfell / July 7 – 9
Onion Lake Annual Pow Wow
Onion Lake / July 14 – 16
Poundmaker Performance Festival
Poundmaker Lake / July 18 – 22
This festival is presented by Miyawata Culture Inc., and will be held on the Poundmaker Cree First Nation. The festival will also include a Plains Indian Sign Language Workshop.
Sweetgrass Pow Wow
Cut Knife / July 18 – 19
Back to Batoche Days
Batoche National Historic Site / July 20 – 23
This festival celebrating Métis culture includes traditional games and entertainment from fiddling and jigging to square-dancing, an artisan market, and voyageur games demonstration.
Thunderchild First Nation Pow Wow
Turtleford / July 21 – 23
Peepeekisis Traditional Pow Wow
Balcarres / July 21 – 23
All Nations Gathering Traditional Pow Wow
Rowans Ravine Provincial Park / July 22 – 23
Sturgeon Lake Competition Pow Wow
Sturgeon Lake / July 25 – 27
Little Red First Nation Traditional Pow Wow
Prince Albert / July 28 – 30
Kawacatoose First Nation Pow Wow
Raymore / July 29 – 30
Mosquito Grizzly Bears Head Lean Man Pow Wow
Battleford / Aug. 3 – 6
Pasqua First Nation Traditional Pow Wow
Fort Qu’Appelle / Aug. 9 – 10
Standing Buffalo Pow Wow
Fort Qu’Appelle / Aug. 11 – 13
Waterhen Lake First Nation Pow Wow
Meadow Lake / Aug. 11 – 13
One Arrow Traditional Pow Wow
Rosthern / Aug. 12 – 13
Moosomin First Nation Contest Pow Wow
Cochin / Aug 15 – 17
Cowessess Traditional Pow Wow
Broadview / Aug. 15 – 17
Piapot Traditional Pow Wow
45km East of Regina / Aug. 18 – 20
Beardy’s & Okemasis Competition Cree Pow Wow
Duck Lake / Aug. 25 – 27
Fort-de-la-Corne Traditional Powwow
Beatty / Sept. 1 – 3
Flying Dust First Nation Pow Wow
Meadow Lake / Sept. 1 – 3
Métis Cultural Days
Saskatoon / Sept. 7 – 10
This weekend festival celebrating Métis history and culture is hosted by Central Urban Métis Federation and includes live music and dance performances, workshops, a Métis village, a family dance, pancake breakfast and more.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Pow Wow
SaskTel Centre / Sept. 30 – Oct. 1