Experience Our Cultural History

At Pow Wows we gather in a circle. In a circle, no one is higher than anyone else, everyone is equal. Our dancers move in a circle, searching the ground for the footprints of our ancestors in order to follow their ways. The drum beats out the solemn rhythm of all creation. It is the sound we remember from before we were born. It is the rhythm of our mothers’ heartbeat. The drums summon up a memory that is common to us all. Pow Wow means gathering or celebration.

Traditionally, families had to scatter far and wide to be able to find enough game to feed themselves throughout the long and harsh Canadian winter. The Pow Wow took place each year when families and friends were reunited to dance, drum, feast, and give thanks to the Creator. Each community had its own time for gathering – Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall. At Curve Lake we still hold an annual Pow Wow, bringing together First Nations and non-First Nations, to honour our ancestors and uphold this sacred tradition. Every year, the end of the summer brings with it the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow.

This celebration consists of two days of traditional dancing, contests, and ceremony, to re-establish old friendships and meet new people, with many vendors, dancers, and drummers in attendance. As every year, all of our neighbours from the surrounding towns are welcome to join us in most of the festivities. Come join us and enjoy traditional foods, dances, songs, and stories! For more information and to purchase tickets in advance visit the Curve Lake Pow Wow site.