Powwow – First Nation culture, colour and pageantry on display north of Oshawa

From the power and warrior spirit of the Woodlands dances to the beauty and elegance of the Jingle dance – all to the steady rhythm of the drummers – the annual Powwow at Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is an event not to be missed.

Grand entry for the event – held at the Powwow Grounds at 2251 Island Road, north of Port Perry – is noon each day as Scugog Island First Nation Kelly LaRocca and the dancers, drums, and community come together at Aanikoobijiganag Shkode – The Ancestors Fire.

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 in Durham Region and the GTA.

The colours and pageantry of all the participants on display at the two-day event, held on July 18 to 19, make it something to circle on your calendar.

This year’s Host Drum is Smoketrail, with Eastern Ojibway as Co-host Drum.

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.