Powwow celebrations are underway around B.C.

If you're looking for something to do and want to learn more about First Nations culture, you might want to consider attending a powwow this summer.

Powwows are cultural gatherings that First Nations people have been partaking in for centuries. You can expect cultural singing, dancing and drumming. Food and crafts are usually for sale, but be sure to bring some cash.

There are two kinds of powwows: traditional and contest. Contest powwows are just like they sound, dancers and singers compete for prizes, while traditional powwows focus on revitalizing and practising First Nations culture. 

Powwow protocol looks different across the country, but some general rules of thumb are to ask consent before you take photos, show up drug and alcohol free, and be an active listener with the powwow MC to learn more about what's happening. 

Some Indigenous ceremonies and gatherings can be exclusive to the nation. However, powwows are open to everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

If you happen to feel like dancing, inter-tribals are your chance! Inter-tribals consist of specific songs that open the floor to anyone who wants to dance, no regalia or experience needed. 

Be respectful, ask questions and enjoy yourself. Find a B.C. powwow to attend here.

May powwows 

Creston

Yaqan Nukiy powwow 

When: May. 16-18
Where: 830 Simon Road 

100 Mile House 

Healing our Children 2nd Annual powwow 

When: May. 23-25 
Where: 2-175B Wrangler Way

June powwows 

Mount Currie 

Lil'wat Celebrations powwow

When: Jun. 6-8
Where: Ullus Community Complex, 82 R #10

Vernon

3rd annual Komasket powwow

When: Jun. 6-8
Where: 12420 Westside Rd.

Taylor

Spirit of the Peace powwow

When: Jun. 13-15
Where: Taylor, B.C. 

Williams Lake First Nation

Annual Father's Day Traditional Powwow 2025

When: Jun. 613-15
Where: Chief William Powwow Arbor, 2581 Cariboo Hwy 97 S

Boston Bar First Nation

Tuckkwiowhum Traditional Powwow

When: Jun. 21-22
Where: Tuckkwiowhum powwow arbour 

Kamloops

Kamloopa Powwow 2025

When: Jun. 27-29
Where: 345 powwow trail 

Kelowna

2nd Annual Two-Spirit Powwow

When: Jun. 28
Where: Kelowna city park, 1600 Abbott St.

July powwows

Vancouver 

DTES powwow

When: Jul. 1
Where: Oppenheimer Park, 457 E Cordova St.

West Vancouver 

3rd Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Powwow

When: Jul. 11-13
Where: Capilano Reserve field

Mission

VYPER Reclaiming Youth Contest Powwow

When: Jul. 11-13
Where: 34110 Lougheed Hwy

Penticton 

Powwow Between the Lakes

When: Jul. 18-20
Where: South Okanagan Events Centre, 853 Eckhardt Ave W 

Cache Creek 

St'uxwtews Powwow

When: Jul. 25-27
Where: Historic Hat Creek Ranch -99 & BC -97

August powwows 

Quesnel

Lhtako Dene Nation Powwow

When: Aug. 2-4
Where: 1515 Chief Dominic Road

Mount Currie

St'at'imc Northern Tribez Powwow

When: Aug. 8-10
Where: 347 kwetsa7 

September powwow 

Langley 

4th Annual stɑl'əw̓ powwow

When: Sept. 12-14
Where:  Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 St.