August 15 & 16, 2026 Chippewa Powwow

🌼 SAVE THE DATE

49th Annual Chippewa of the Thames Powwow

📅 Saturday & Sunday — August 15 & 16, 2026
📍 Deshkan Ziibiing — Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Muncey, Ontario (640 Jubilee Rd.)
✨ Mark your calendars for one of Southwestern Ontario’s most vibrant cultural gatherings!

🎶 What Is the Powwow?

A Powwow is a living celebration of Indigenous culture — a gathering of song, dance, community, tradition, and connection that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Expect spirited drumming, colourful regalia, dancing competitions, and vendors showcasing traditional crafts and foods.

Approximate schedule to give you an idea: 

Note: Times are approximate and based on past Powwows; final schedule will be released by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation as the event details are confirmed.

🗓 Saturday, August 15

• 🕙 Morning — Gates Open & Vendor Booths Live
  (Arts, beadwork, basket weaving, crafts, jewellery, traditional foods)

• 🕛 12:00 PM — Grand Entry Ceremony
  (Opening procession with dancers, flags, and drum groups)

• 🕐–🕓 Afternoon Dance & Song Sessions
  (Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, and other styles)

• 🍴 Mid-day Food & Community Sharing
  (Local Indigenous foods and community gathering)

• 🕖 Evening Powwow Session
  (Special dance sets and performances)

🗓 Sunday, August 16

• 🕙 Morning— Vendors & Activities Re-open

• 🕛 Noon — Grand Entry & Dancing Continues

• 🕐–🕓 Afternoon Competitions & Cultural Sharing

• 🕔 Late Afternoon Closing Ceremonies / Honour Songs

🥁 What to Expect

✨ Drumming & Singing – Powerful vocal and drum performances that are central to the Powwow experience.
💃 Traditional Dancing & Competitions – Dancers of all ages in stunning regalia participate in categories like Traditional, Fancy, Jingle, Grass, Smoke Dance and more.
🍽 Food & Community – Local Indigenous cuisine and community-sharing spaces where visitors can connect, learn, and celebrate together.

🛍 Vendors & Makers – A rich variety of Indigenous artisans:

• Beaders

• Basket weavers

• Leatherworkers

• Jewelry makers

• Paintings & carvings

🧡 Visitor Tips

• Bring cash for many vendors (not all have card machines).

• Arrive early to explore booths and find a good viewing spot.

• Respect powwow etiquette: photos are generally fine, but be mindful during honour songs or ceremonies.

• Everyone and all ages welcome — it’s a family friendly cultural celebration.

📌 Looking Ahead

This year marks the 49th Annual Powwow, with the 50th Anniversary celebration coming in 2027 — a major milestone for the Chippewas of the Thames community!