9 tips to celebrate Pwaaganigaawin/Pow Wow
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Aambe bizhaak / All are welcome to join the Pow Wow at TMU. Learn what to expect and how to participate fully and respectfully with some helpful etiquette tips to celebrate a long-held spiritual tradition. (Photo: Amy Sargent)
Pow Wows are vibrant gatherings that celebrate Indigenous cultures and serve as a powerful community-building tradition.
A sacred space for First Nations people to unite in dance, song, feast and prayer, Pow Wows are meaningful cultural and spiritual celebrations that compel respect.
This year’s Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow takes place on September 13, 2024 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kerr Hall Quad. Aambe bizhaak / All are welcome to join in the celebration.
TMU community members are also invited to attend the Virtual Pow Wow Etiquette Teachings the day before, on September 12, to participate fully and respectfully.
Here are some helpful Pow Wow protocols to keep in mind:
Honouring dance as a form of healing
Every dance holds meaning and cultural significance. Be respectful of a dance ceremony by paying attention, keeping noise to a minimum and being curious about the story being told.
“It’s important to come with an open heart and to come ready to learn,” says Kehew Buffalo, Pow Wow committee student cultural helper who begins open studies at TMU this fall.
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Student Pow Wow committee member and TMU student, Kehew Buffalo, has been attending Pow Wows his whole life and is always learning about different nations’ traditions.
The history of colonialism in North America included bans on the cultural practices, spiritual ceremonies and gatherings of Indigenous Peoples in an attempt at forced integration and cultural genocide. In this context, Pow Wows are a reassertion and reclamation of Indigenous identity, history and place.
“Being able to come out and continue our traditional practices speaks to that healing piece,” says student Pow Wow committee member Crystal Lynn Herring-King, who will start her third year of social work at TMU this fall. “It is integral to cultural revitalization.”
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Student Pow Wow committee member, Crystal Lynn Herring-King, says the campus event offers an important connection to identity for Indigenous students.
Regalia is not costume
A dancer’s regalia is a handmade garment reflecting spiritual and personal significance, often requiring months or years to create. It features intricate beadwork, colours and feathers tied to cultural teachings. Always respect regalia—never touch it, and ask before taking photos.
Pow Wow Circle etiquette
At a Pow Wow, the circle symbolizes the never-ending cycle of life, with no beginning and no end. Always walk around the centre of the circle as it is a special space and should not be crossed.
Pay attention to announcers
The master of ceremonies will queue guests on when to sit, stand and when to join in the dance.
During the veteran song, which is featured at many Pow Wows, attendees are expected to stand and respectfully remove their hats. The MC will also let guests know when it is permitted to take pictures.
What to bring and not to bring
As there is frequently not enough sitting for everyone, consider bringing a chair with you.
Do not bring drugs or alcohol. A Pow Wow isn't a party; it's a cultural gathering. Drug and alcohol use is prohibited.
Please leave your pets at home. With the exception of service animals, pets should not be present. Please refer to the Animals on Campus Policy for more information.
Be informed and attend with an open mind
Respect the Opening Prayer. The Grand Entry and the Opening Prayer signal the beginning of the Pow Wow. The prayer is a blessing performed by an Elder in tandem with a drummer and holds sacred significance.
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Cher Trudeau, administrative coordinator, Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and OVPECI Indigenous Initiatives, encourages all campus community members to attend, learn and enjoy this year’s Pow Wow at TMU.
Cher Trudeau, administrative coordinator, Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and Indigenous Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), reminds us that Indigenous Peoples are not a monolith and that the cultures and customs of different nations can vary widely.
Have a question? Don’t hesitate to ask! Be ready to learn something new and leave with a better understanding of Indigenous ways.
Browse the local vendors
When you use your purchasing power at a Pow Wow you’re supporting Indigenous artisans, their families and communities, and promoting local Indigenous entrepreneurship.
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Discover Indigenous artisans and support local Indigenous communities at the Indigenous vendor market. (Photo: Alyssa Faoro)
Elders first
Indigenous Elders have always been held in high regard as sage knowledge keepers who hold generational teachings and wisdom. As a sign of respect and care, Elders are always the first to eat. It is regarded as disrespectful to move ahead of someone older in line.
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Photography
Do not take pictures without asking permission. Do not take photos during prayers, a whistle, the fanning of the drums or when the MC has indicated photos are not permitted.
“To dance is to pray, to pray is to heal, to heal is to give, to give is to live, to live is to dance.” -Cher Trudeau, administrative coordinator, Equity and Community Inclusion Office (IEC)
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An intertribal celebration of pride
When someone who is not Indigenous attends an Indigenous event with an open mind, acceptance, curiosity and respect, they are also showing intention to participate in reconciliation efforts to understand the history, culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples in North America.
Kehew Buffalo has been attending Pow Wows his whole life and offers perspective: “If you are corrected, don’t take it personally. All over North America, Pow Wows are conducted in various ways. I've even been corrected in a new territory.”
The TMU community is invited to experience, honour and appreciate this year’s Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow in the spirit of peace and cultural understanding.
Further information:
For additional details or discussion of Pow Wow protocols, please reach out to Crystal Osawmick, E-nankiid Anishinaabe Maawnjidowinan miiniwaa shki-Maajiishkaachiganan Manager, Indigenous Events and Special Projects University Events and Ceremonies, Office of the President at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer form (external link) .
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