Pow Wow to bring powerful celebration of culture and tradition to Brock

By Gazette Staff

January 9th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Underscored by the beating heart of roaring drums and stunning displays of handcrafted regalia, Pow Wow will bring a vibrant celebration of Indigenous dancing, music, art and food back to Brock University next week.

This was an event that was once outlawed in Canada. It is both dramatic and emotionally moving.

Now in its third year, the free event takes place in the University’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hosted by the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre with support from across the University, Pow Wow is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff, faculty and members of the broader community.

The event, which draws thousands of people together to celebrate Indigenous cultures, will operate under the theme of “Cleansing our Spirits” this year.

“It’s a reflection of the purpose of what pow wows are truly about, which is connecting to culture and creating a space for healing,” said Evelyn Dilworth, Event Co-ordinator at Hadiya’dagénhahs. “Our Pow Wow also connects to the symbolism of the winter season, with the snow coming to cleanse the Earth and bring a fresh start.”

The vendor fair opens at 11 a.m., when more than 75 Indigenous crafters will share a wide selection of handmade crafts, art, jewelry and traditional food. Grand Entry, which signals the official start of the Pow Wow, begins at noon.

Indigenous people learn PowWow dancing at an early age.

The day will feature a range of Indigenous dances by individuals of all ages, such as a Women and Men’s Smoke Dance Special with songs led by Frazer Phillips.

A unique addition to Brock’s Pow Wow, this style of Haudenosaunee dance is fast-paced, social and story-focused. The spinning motion of the dance is often seen as emulating the curling of smoke or the chasing of smoke out of Haudenosaunee longhouses.

The Pow Wow also features several Intertribal dances, where everyone in attendance is encouraged to join in and to dance together.

This year’s Pow Wow also welcomes Host Drum Charging Horse and Co-host Drum Little Creek.

Hadiya’dagénhahs Director Cindy Biancaniello said the Pow Wow is a joyful community event that celebrates pride in Indigenous cultures and offers a positive and meaningful way to put reconciliation into action.

“For so long there was no dancing, drumming or celebrations allowed in public spaces, so this is a way to reclaim Indigenous identity while healing and growing together,” she said. “The Pow Wow is also an exciting experience for non-Indigenous people because as soon as they walk in the door and hear the drums, they will absolutely feel the power of the event deep in their hearts.”

Pow wows are meaningful cultural and spiritual celebrations and attendees are encouraged to come eager to learn and participate respectfully.

Pow Wow Master of Ceremonies Jordan Williams White-Eye and Arena Director Talon White-Eye will work together to co-ordinate the Pow Wow, including providing important guidance to attendees on when certain cultural elements are occurring and when everyone is invited to participate and take photos.

Syerra Jasmin, Hadiya’dagénhahs Centre Operations Supervisor, said the success of the Pow Wow lies in the strength of the community it has created across the University and beyond.

“Pow Wow is open to everyone, and it has been wonderful to see how the community has embraced the event and been so committed to collaboratively supporting its successful execution,” she said.

Parking will be available in any of the paid lots on campus on the day of the event.