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The Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow returns to Six Nations of the Grand River on July 26 and 27, marking its 46th year as a popular local Indigenous cultural event. It celebrates heritage through music, dance, arts, and crafts, while promoting cultural exchange and community connection.
Held at the Ohsweken Speedway, this annual gathering brings together dancers, singers, and drummers from across Turtle Island—North America. While powwows originated in western nations, Six Nations has embraced the powwow culture, blending its own traditions into the vibrant mix. Charlene Bomberry of the Powwow Committee explains there are two types of powwows.
Bomberry explained that competitors take part in both dancing and singing or drumming. All ages are represented, with divisions ranging from under 5 years old to 55 years and older.
Those who attend can expect colourful regalia, powerful drum beats, and beautiful dances, like the Grass Dance.
The dancer who earns the highest total score over the weekend is named the “Champion of Champions,” an honour that gives the powwow its name.
Visitors are welcome to take photos and video, but Bomberry reminds everyone to be respectful and ask permission before photographing individual dancers. There are also times when photography is not allowed, and the emcees will announce those moments.
Bomberry couldn’t recall her very first powwow, but she remembers travelling to Walpole Island in the 1970s with her uncle’s dance troupe from Six Nations. They performed and demonstrated their own traditional dances. However, she does remember the first time she competed in a powwow—and how nervous she felt.
She admitted that even now she gets nervous before dancing at a powwow.
The weekend will feature three Grand Entry processions: two on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., and one on Sunday at 12 p.m. Each entry begins with a ceremonial procession of all dancers into the arena, accompanied by the sound of live drum groups—something many first-time visitors are surprised to learn is not recorded music.
You can learn more at https://www.grpowwow.ca/ and the public is encouraged to attend, learn, and respectfully enjoy the experience. The powwow celebrates not only Indigenous heritage but also unity across nations, offering a welcoming space for education, expression, and community connection.
Written by Jeremy Hall