Kahnawake Pow-Wow is this weekend: Here’s what you need to know

Pow-Wow (Archives)

Drums will ring out from the south of the Saint Lawrence River, and traffic is bound to back up on the Honoré-Mercier Bridge this weekend as Kahnawake hosts the Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow-Wow.

Every year, thousands head to the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) community for the largest powwow in the province.

It was first held the year after the 1990 Oka Crisis and every year since (with a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic).

Cost

Admission is $10 for general admission or $5 for seniors. Children under five get in for free.

Having cash on hand is advised for the dozens of food and art vendors present every year selling traditional Indigenous wares and culinary specialties.

Parking is free, but it does start to fill up quickly, so early is the word. Organizers ask visitors not to park in front of private homes in the village area.

How to get there

By car:

• Drive south across the Honoré-Mercier Bridge and keep right at the end of the bridge.
• Take the first exit on Route 207 North and follow the signs and line of cars to Tekakwitha Island near the Kateri Memorial Hospital.
• If plotting on GPS, search Ile Tekakwitha.

By bus:

• Exo is providing a free shuttle bus from Angrignon Station every hour starting at 8:55 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Return buses start at 9:25 a.m., and taxis are available on site.
• Reduced mobility and Golden Age parking and facilities are available.

Schedule

Gates open at 9 a.m. both days.

Grand Entry Parade of Dancers is at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. on Sunday.

Intertribal dancing and dance competitions run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and then from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Dancing and competitions run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a hand drum finale and awards.

A victory dance, flag song, and retiring of flags close the event at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

What is a pow-wow?

Pow-wows are a celebration of dancing, singing, food, crafts and community.

“Powwows are a powerful gathering where multiple communities and generations of people come together to witness the pride of Indigenous dancers, drummers, and singers,” the Kahnawake pow-wow site reads. “We are welcoming you back to participate by listening to the drums, watch the dancing, enjoy the food, experience our crafts, establish new friendships, and simply reconnect with old friends.”

There are no drugs, no alcohol and no pets permitted on the grounds.

Learn some Kanien’kéha

The Kanien’kehá:ka speak the Kanien’kéha language and are made up of three clans: bear, wolf, and turtle.

Here are some basic words to practice on the weekend:

• Hello - Shé:kon (SAY-GON)
• Thanks - Nià:wen (NEE-AH-WA)
• Thank you - Niawen’kó:wa (NEE-AH-WA-GO-WA)
• Good-bye - Ó:nen:ki’wáhi (OH’NA-GI-WA-HEE)

About Kahnawake

Kahnawá:ke (pronounced ɡahnaˈwaːɡe) translates as “by the rapids” and is made up of people from the Kanien’kehá:ka - people of the flint - nation.

The Kanien’kehá:ka is one of six nations (originally five) in the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) confederacy -- people of the longhouse -- along with the Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Tuscarora, and Seneca. The Kanien’kehá:ka are keepers of the eastern door.

The longhouse is a traditional style of residence used by the Haudenosaunee and is also where the traditional religious and political ceremonies are held.