Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow returns on Friday, September 13, 2024. 

The day will begin with the lighting of a sacred fire, followed by a sunrise ceremony conducted by Clayton Shirt. There will be various styles of Pow Wow dancing, beautiful sounds of drums and singing, and many Indigenous vendors and information booths on-site.

Aambe bizhaak / All are welcome to join in the celebration. No registration is required. 

Schedule of the day

Giigida-nini / Master of ceremony: Bob Goulais
Eniigaanzid / Arena director: Harvey Dreaver
Eagle staff carrier: Dr. Michael Doxtator

• 6:30 a.m. - Lighting of sacred fire 
• 7 a.m. - Sunrise ceremony by Clayton Shirt (Please bring your lawn chairs)
• 11 a.m. - Indigenous vendor market opens
• 11 a.m. - Pow Wow etiquette teachings by Bob Goulais 
• 12 p.m. - Maamwi-biindigegaawag / Grand entry 
• 12:15 p.m. - Welcoming Remarks 
• 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Intertribal dancing, specials, dance categories 
• 4:30 p.m. - Giveaway
• 5 p.m. - Closing

The 2024 theme is “Honouring all our relations.”

This year’s theme “Honouring all our relations” emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual beings—humans, animals, plants and the natural world, including those who have left the physical realm and crossed over to the spiritual realm. 

By honouring all our relations, we are encouraged to be respectful and mindful of our own existence and the connections we share with others. This theme highlights the importance of acknowledging and nurturing the relationships that support and enrich life. It calls for maintaining harmony in our journey and purpose while considering the impact on future generations.

• Anishinaabemowin translation: Mnaadenmaadaanig gdiwenmaagninaanig
• Mohawk translation: Tentewakwenyohstake Akwekon Akonkwetohn / We take care with each other, all my relatives.
• Phonetic pronunciation: dohn-day-wa-gwun-YOHS-dah-gay  ah-GWAY-go ah-gohng-GWAY-doh

Join us for Pow Wow etiquette teachings on Zoom

To ensure all attendees know what to expect at a Pow Wow and to participate fully and respectfully, please join us virtually for Pow Wow etiquette teachings by Bob Goulais on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Accessibility

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The Pow Wow will take place in the Kerr Hall Quad on a grassy area. There will be a wheelchair accessible ramp at the northwest corner of the quad that leads onto the green space. Volunteers will be available to assist participants. 

If you require any accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please email Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects at indigevents@torontomu.ca.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email the Pow Wow Coordinator at indigevents@torontomu.ca.