44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre (ONFC) will be holding its’ 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow on May 27 & 28, 2023, at the Canadian Police College campus located at 1 Sandridge Road in Ottawa, ON.
The ONFC Traditional Pow Wow is well-known for starting the Pow Wow season off for over forty years. This year’s event will bring together dancers, drummers, singers, traditional food, craft vendors and entertainment.
Participants, guests and spectators will come from far and wide to witness and take part in the true meaning of Indigenous culture during this two-day event. The community has been eagerly waiting this Pow Wow since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic halted everything.
We expect thousands to join us this year and we welcome you to celebrate with us.
You will be welcomed and guided by our:
- Emcee Fred McGregor
- Co-Emcee Nim’Keehns Wemigwans
- Arena Director Greg Meekis
- Elders Thomas Louttit and Karen McGinnis
- Firekeepers Thomas Louttit and Raymond Duff
- Head Veteran Clarence Trapper
Parking
Sunday, May 28, 2023
POW WOW PARKING REMINDER for May 28, 2023
Lawn parking will be available on-site for the 44th Annual Traditional Pow Wow on Sunday, May 28, 2023, via Sir George Etienne Parkway.
Due to the marathon taking place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, there will be some road closures to the Parkway. However, special access will be granted to Pow Wow attendees via Hemlock Street to the Parkway. Attendees simply have to inform the traffic-controlled patrol that you are going to the Pow Wow, and they will let you through. An Odawa staff member or volunteer will be there.
DRIVING:
Please NOTE that due to the road closures for the race today (up until 1:00 pm), access to the P6 parking is only accessible via the Hemlock and St. Laurent Intersection. Simply inform traffic control that you are going to the Pow Wow and they will let you through.
DROP-OFFS
There will be a drop-off point at St. Laurent and Arundel Streets. It is a short 1-2 minute walk to the entrance. Note that we will have golf carts shuttling people at the drop-off point to the Pow Wow grounds.
Thank you for your understanding with the route detour due to the marathon that is taking place.
Click on image below for full-view.
Sponsorship
How do I register as a sponsor?
Choose your sponsorship type and email us at odawapowwow@odawa.on.ca.
| Sponsorship Type | Amount | Website | Signage | Grand Entry | 2-minute Welcome | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Main Sponsor | $30,000 | |||||
| 2 Grand Entry Sponsors | $12,500 each | |||||
| 2 Dancer Sponsors | $10,000 each | |||||
| 2 Drummer Sponsors | $7,500 each | |||||
| 2 VIP Tent Sponsors | $5,000 each | |||||
| 2 Website Sponsors | $4,000 each | |||||
| 1 Shuttle Sponsor | $5,000 | |||||
| 1 Security Sponsor | $2,500 | |||||
| Supporter Sponsors - Unlimited | $1,000 | |||||
| Honourable Mentions - unlimited | $500 |
Pow Wow FAQ
What kind of arts & crafts can I purchase there?
Hand made crafts such as carvings, dreamcatchers and jewellery are available. You can also find paintings, clothing, decals and many other expressions of Indigenous cultures. Prices for the public to purchase items are set individually by each vendor.
What kind of food will be available?
There will be a variety of traditional foods such as corn soup, blanket dogs, Indian tacos, wild rice salads, wild meat and more, sold by vendors. Each vendor brings their own recipes, so menu items change slightly from year to year.
What is prohibited at this event?
Drugs, alcohol and pets (guide dogs allowed).
Access to the Pow Wow Site
There is limited parking on-site, up to 500 vehicles on both days. Please note that the grounds open at 10:00 am and close at 9:00 pm on Saturday, May 27, 2023. All vehicles must leave at least by 8:45 pm, or before the gates are locked by 9:00 pm.
There will be a race coinciding at the same time as the Pow Wow on Sunday, May 28, 2023, and there will be road closures, with entry from St. Laurent only.
Vendors can gain entry to the site with a pass provided by Odawa.
Distance from the Odawa Native Friendship Centre to the Pow Wow grounds is 2.8 km, and a shuttle will be provided. Walking distance is 36 minutes.
Is this event wheelchair accessible?
Yes, but since the event is held outside the ground conditions may pose a bit of a challenge on mobility.
Is parking available at the Pow Wow?
There will be limited parking available on-site. However, if you require accessible parking, please email odawapowwow@odawa.on.ca for more information.
How do I get to the Pow Wow?
OC Transpo Bus #7.
A shuttle service from Odawa Native Friendship Centre to the Pow Wow site will be available every hour. More details to come about this service.
Is this for Indigenous people only?
NO! Everyone is welcome!
How do I register as a vendor?
Please fill in this downloadable form and email it to odawapowwow@odawa.on.ca
How do I register as a dancer?
Dancers can register on-site or in advance. If you wish to register in advance, please fill in this downloadable form and email it to odawapowwow@odawa.on.ca