Frequently Asked Questions

A Powwow is a gathering of people from diverse Indigenous nations to honour their ancestors' traditions through various activities such as ceremony, traditional dance, drumming, singing, storytelling, and arts and crafts exhibitions. It serves as a social and cultural gathering for Indigenous communities and often welcomes non-Indigenous attendees as well.

View a video of Powwow 101 with Ray Coco Stevenson.

Our powwow is open to everyone, including members of the hosting Indigenous community, other Indigenous nations, and the general public. They are inclusive events that aim to share and celebrate Indigenous culture with a diverse audience. 

Select school groups have been invited to join us for educational sessions during the school day (9:30 am - 1 pm.), and all are welcome to attend the Powwow after the schools depart (from 1 pm to closing). 

You're welcome to explore some external links below about Powwow etiquette:

Pow Wow Etiquette: 10 Rules to Follow in and Out of the Arena - ICT News

10 things you need to know about powwow protocol

10 Focus Schools in the Indigenous Education program at PDSB were selected to attend the powwow.

If your school was selected, please await details from your Instructional Coach.

If your school was not selected, please know that all PDSB families and community members are welcome to attend!

Please consider attending whenever your work day finishes and share with folks in the PDSB community and beyond who may attend from 12 PM onwards 

Please feel free to share with your staff, students and school community! Everyone is welcome!

The Powwwow is held outdoors.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the centre. We are closely monitoring the weather forecast to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. If inclement weather requires us to move the event indoors, school visits will be cancelled due to capacity limitations.

Yes! We have free parking in designated areas. Please visit the Parking & Directions page for more details and updates.

The Powwow is held in the open field beside the centre. We have designated parking for Elders and accessible washrooms available for your convenience. However, please be aware that as the event is on a grassy field.

There will be plastic accessibility mats placed along the grass to allow for easier to the powwow grounds and to the shaded tent area to allow access to assistive devices.

The washrooms are accessible from a paved path and there will be 2 wheelchair accessible porta-potties.

Maawnjiding Wiingushkeng also has an adult changing table accessible inside the building.

Yes! Please note that it's essential to be respectful and avoid taking any photos or videos during prayers, flag songs, or other ceremonies. Additionally, always ask for permission before photographing or recording dancers and their regalia. If you wish to take photos of minors, ensure you obtain parental permission first.

Sorry, dogs are not permitted at the event, with the exception of service dogs with appropriate paperwork.

Yes. Security personnel will be patrolling throughout all areas of the event, including the vendors' area.

Yes, first aid services are available on site. First Aid Kits will be located at the Information tent, Vendor/Dancer Tent and some volunteers with First Aid Training will be on site as well.

No, alcohol will not be served at this family-friendly event. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards smoking, drugs, and alcohol.