Pow Wows
A pow wow is a very significant cultural event for First Nations peoples in North America. Pow wows can last anywhere from one day to several days, and usually takes at least one year to successfully plan and run. Dancers, singers, and drummers from all Indigenous nations gather to drum, dance, trade and sell goods, visit information booths, and feast together.
Pow wows are a great way to not only gather as Indigenous communities, but also to support local Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Usually surrounding the hub of pow wow activities are vendors, selling anything from clothing, accessories, crafting supplies, and yes, even delicious food and drink like Scone Dogs and Strawberry Drink.
As a Métis woman^, pow wow season is perhaps one of my favourite times of the year. I get to see friends and community members that I haven't seen in a while, support my favourite local Indigenous businesses, and get my fill of delicious food and ceremony. Sometimes, if I'm not in the middle of a chat with a friend, I join in during Intertribal numbers, where everyone attending the pow wow is invited to dance, shuffle, or walk in the dance circle.
In Toronto, all pow wows are open to the public to attend and support Indigenous communities. Non-Indigenous attendees can even dance during Intertribal songs. September usually marks the end of pow wow season in Toronto until the new year.
Even in the height of COVID-19, some pow wows moved online to continue bringing people together virtually. In 2020 and 2021, we were proud to support X University*'s Pow Wow and Education Week by lending out some of our Wi-Fi Hotspots, so Indigenous community members nearby won't miss out. The full 2020 and 2021 Pow Wows are available to watch on YouTube.
To celebrate and to learn more about Pow Wows, we've put together a list of some materials we recommendation in our collections. Please note, if an author is Indigenous, their nation will be next to their name in brackets.
Books for Kids
Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow by Nicholas DeShaw by Nicholas DeShaw (Anishinaabe)
In this book, "a young boy goes to dance in his first pow wow, and his curious cat follows him to see what all the excitement is about"
Pow Wow Counting in Cree by Penny M. Thomas (Cree, Anishinaabeg, and Ojibway)
This counting book "introduces Cree numbers, from one to ten, featuring powwow imagery that reflects the rich culture and tradition of the Cree people."
Niimiwin - Everyone Dance by Leah Savage (Fond du Lac Ojibwe)
This book provides an overview of a pow wow at Fond du Lac First Nation from start to finish.
Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek)
This book shares the story about a girl who "borrows jingles from the dresses of several friends and relatives so that she can perform the jingle dance at the powwow."
It's Powwow Time by Martha Troian by Martha Troian (Ojibwe)
In this book, "Bineshii learns to dance at his first powwow."
Powwow: A celebration through song and dance by Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane (Anishinaabe)
This book is a visual "guide to the dance, music and culture of this Indigenous celebration."
He Who Dreams by Melanie Florence (Cree and Scottish)
This book shares the story of a young Cree and Irish man who "must find a way to balance and embrace both the Irish and Cree sides of his heritage."
Books for Adults
GON 30: 30 Years of Gathering by Derek Mathews (Cherokee and Choctaw)
This book talks about 30 years of experiences at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, which is perhaps the biggest pow wow in North America.
The Pow Wow Trail: Understanding and Enjoying the Native American Pow Wow by Julia C White (Cherokee/Sioux)
This book is "a guide to all of the activities you might see at a pow wow. Each of the many dances are described in detail with background information and history of the dance provided. The beautiful and dynamic illustrations of pow wow dancers by Native American artist Diana Stanley create a wonderful sense of being there."
DVDs
Pow Wow Trail DVD Series (2004)
TPL has select episodes available to borrow to experience the sights and sounds of a pow wow.
"An Ojibwa ceremony dating back a hundred years, the history and evolution of the Jingle dress and its related dance is presented along with how the dress is made and how it is presented (by many different tribes) at powwows across North America today. Shot on location in Montana and Idaho."
Future History: Pow Wow and Exhibition (2018)
"Our hosts, Kris and Sarain break down the concepts of Pow Wow, ceremony and exhibition. They meet Knowledge Keeper and Traditional Dancer Jordan White Eye Williams who shares the history of the Pow Wow. They are invited into a theatre space with Activist Actor/Playwright Monique Mojica to talk about her show Side Show Freaks and Circus Injuns. Then, Sarain and Kris put on their moccasins and take a Hoop Dance workshop with Storyteller/Dancer Crystal "Beany" John."--Case."
How can I learn more about Pow Wows outside of TPL?
Outside of Toronto Public Library, you can learn more about pow wows by attending public events. 2025 Toronto events include:
- 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations' 4th Annual 2-Spirit Pow Wow: Saturday June 7 at Downsview Park
- Indigenous Arts Festival: Friday June 20 at Fort York
- Na-Me-Res Pow Wow: Saturday June 21 at Fort York
Interested in other events and ways to learn more? Be sure to also check out recommendations from the City of Toronto's Indigenous Affairs Office.
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Updates
December 15, 2020: corrected spelling error; added a line about newly-added activities by XUPowWow.
August 23, 2021: edited to include line to explain brackets next to authors names.
September 22, 2021: edited to add information about X University's Pow Wow and Education Week 2021. Also changed the name from Ryerson University to X University in acknowledgement of the full acceptance of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win)'s Task Force Final Report, which includes the recommendation to rename the university. Updated links to 2020's Pow Wow and education week.
May 14, 2024: edit for style.
May 8, 2025. ^Original author of the blog post is Jamie. Edited in 2025 by Eleni for style and to remove outdated information about past Pow Wows and COVID-19. Also condensed wording and removed broken links. Added three new books and information about 2025 pow wows in Toronto.
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