Celebrate Indigenous culture at Ontario First Nation Powwow this weekend

An annual gathering and celebration of Indigenous culture is happening near Port Perry this weekend at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Powwow July 19-20.

The Powwow features traditional ceremonies, dances and songs, and is an opportunity for Indigenous people to come together to celebrate life, honour people past and present, and share a part of their culture with the greater community.

From the beauty and elegance of the Jingle dance to the power and warrior spirit on display for the Woodlands dances, and from the steady beat of the drummers to the colours and pageantry of all the participants, the Powwow on Scugog Island promises to be an unforgettable event.

This year’s Host Drum is Burning Plains, with Eastern Ojibwe as Co-Host Drum and Smoke Trail as the Invited Drum. The MC for the event is Beedahsiga Elliot.

Grand entry for the event – held at the Powwow Grounds at 2251 Island Road, north of Port Perry – is noon each day.

There is plenty of parking available and admission is just $10 for adults and $5 for children (6-12). Seniors and kids (5 and under) are free.

There is no alcohol, drugs or pets allowed (service animals excepted) and cash is preferred.

To get there, take Highway 7A East from Port Perry across the causeway and turn left on Island Road. The Powwow grounds will be on the right, approximately 10 kilometres from Hwy 7A and two kilometres past Great Blue Heron Charity Casino.

Interior images by Glenn Hendry