Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow 2025 slated for early June

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An annual Peace region Indigenous tradition will continue in 2025.

The Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow will take place the second weekend in June in Taylor, according to event organizer Connie Greyeyes.

Greyeyes was a volunteer at the first event in 2006 and says the community is as vital to the growth of Indigenous culture now as it was back then.

“It’s been going for a long time,” said Greyeyes. “It’s something we’re super excited for every year. We do our best to be good hosts and have a good contest, and hopefully this year is no different.

“I’ve been told by dancers they just really enjoy the hospitality that we show at our Pow Wow. We take care of Elders from the community.  They come and we make sure that they’re fed and their grandchildren are fed.”

A traditional Pow Wow is an Indigenous celebration where people can dance, buy or sell Indigenous crafts and sing.

Modern Pow Wows began in Canadian cities in the 1950s but the celebrations have existed in First Nations for centuries, according to a CBC article.

Drumming and dance competitions will happen throughout the three-day event, in classes for everybody from First Nations toddlers to Elders. 

Baked goods and artisan crafts from vendors will also be there, as well as a tent for Elders and food provided by Beccalicious Cooking of Fort St. John.

 In addition, the event is strictly alcohol and drug free. 

New for 2025, Greyeyes says a host drummer will be selected for the entire event. In previous years, one was selected for each session. 

She adds the host drum will be selected from two candidates and will be confirmed before the event.

“What’s great about this Pow Wow is having all the communities there,” said Greyeyes. “Some are Dane-zaa and some are Cree in this territory. There are Elders coming from every single one of the Nations in this territory that come.

“They come to enjoy the Pow Wow and they listen to the music and see the dancing. The Elders know when they come we will take care of them.”

The 2025 Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow will take place from Friday, June 13th to Sunday, June 15th at the Taylor District Ice Centre at 9880 Cherry Avenue.

Attendance is free. More details can be found at the Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow’s Facebook page.

To inquire about being a vendor, contact Darwin Stump at dstump@live.ca.