Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow
A Pow Wow is a traditional Indigenous gathering for community members from all nations to meet and celebrate Indigenous culture through music and dance
In 1998, Ryerson Polytechnic University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) became the first Toronto university to host a traditional Pow Wow, a tradition that continued for several years. The 1998 theme was “Honouring our past / reaching for our future”. The Pow Wow was relaunched in 2018 and has occurred annually since then. In 2019, programming for Indigenous Education Week was added.
Join us on September 11 for the 2026 Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow
On Friday, September 11, 2026, Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members will come together in celebration at TMU’s 2026 Pwaaganigaawin (Pow Wow). This year our theme is Abinoojiinyag Gchi-piitendaagziwag | Every Child Matters.
The day will begin with the lighting of a sacred fire, followed by a sunrise ceremony conducted by Elwood Ashawasega elder at Weecheetowin Support Services.
At the Pow Wow, there will be various styles of dancing, beautiful sounds of drums and singing, and many Indigenous food and arts and crafts vendors and information tables on-site.
Aambe bizhaak / Hati ónhka taontà:yon / All are welcome to join in the celebration. No registration is required for spectators, however, dancers are to register at the Dancer Registration table.
No admission fee. Non-Indigenous community members welcome!
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects, at crystal.osawamick@torontomu.ca.
Past events
Thank you for joining the 2023 Pwaaganigaawin / Pow Wow
On September 23, 2023, the TMU community joined for the first in-person (post-pandemic) TMU Pow Wow since 2019. The Pow Wow included a sunrise ceremony, Pow Wow etiquette, grand entry, dancing, drumming, singing, a vendor market and more.
One of the dances performed at the Pow Wow was the jingle dress healing dance. One would offer semaa (tobacco) to a dancer to pray on while dancing. The shape and sound of the cones on the dress are part of the healing process. Photo: Amy Sargent.
Red Bear Singers, a collective of singers and drummers who are residential school and Sixties Scoop survivors and descendants, presented their songs. Photo: Amy Sargent.
Acknowledgements
This year’s event was led by Indigenous undergraduates Mercedes Massingale (School of Social Work), Emma Yerxa (Criminology) and Gabrielle McMann (School of Journalism) through paid positions, providing employment and experience to Indigenous students. Crystal Osawamick, manager of Indigenous events and special projects, supported the students.