Echoes of a Proud Nation Pow Wow

The weather was perfect for a powwow, and thousands took advantage of the clear skies and hot weather. Gathered at one of largest pow-wows in the east and held in Kahnawake, on Saturday July 13 and Sunday 14, 2024, dancers, drummers, singers, along with craft and art vendors and the beloved powwow food vendors.

Gordon Nicotine-Sands held the spot of emcee, Arena Director – Dale Matasawagon, Head Veteran – Ray Deer, Head – Judge Tasha Thompson, Smoke Dance Signer – Cam Hill and Host Drum – Young Tribe.

Over $45,000 was presented in prize money to jingle dress, grass, fancy, fancy shawl, smoke and men and women’s traditional dancers. More importantly, it’s a time to see old friends and make new ones, visit relatives you haven’t seen in a while, and eat the best powwow food around.

Many attendees say it feels like ‘good medicine,’ whether you’re watching or dancing.

The Akwesasne Powwow will be held in a new location at Lamoureux Park in Cornwall, Ontario, on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8, 2024.

In April, the Akwesasne Powwow issued this release, "The Powwow Committee and respected leadership have had to make the difficult decision to change the location of the 2024 Akwesasne Powwow. As the powwow continues to grow in guest numbers, it was determined the powwow has outgrown its current location at the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena and will relocate to the north side of St. Lawrence River, in Cornwall/Tsikaná:taien."

Committee members stated, “This was a most difficult decision to make, and we look forward to returning to Akwesasne in the future.”

Photos by Phillip Goldsmith.