The 4th annual South Island Powwow will return to downtown Victoria tomorrow to honour healing and unity on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The event will take place on Tuesday, September 30th—a collaboration between the Songhees Nation and the City of Victoria.
Royal Athletic Park sits on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, and offers a space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to come together to recognize the federal holiday, otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day.
The South Island Powwow honours and recognizes survivors of Indian Residential and Day Schools and their families, the Sixties Scoop and those who never made it home from these institutions.
“The South Island Powwow is more than a celebration—it’s a declaration that our culture is alive and thriving,” said Chief Ron Sam of Songhees Nation.
“Each drumbeat is a heartbeat of our people. We welcome everyone to join us in this sacred space of honour, healing and cultural pride.”
During the event, a special honouring ceremony will be held to recognize survivors and the children who never came home.
Additionally, the Powwow will feature the traditional grand entry of Nations, with Indigenous song and dance with host drum Smokey Valley, along with guest speakers, cultural performances.
There will be more than 90 vendors on-site, including Songhees Events & Catering, food trucks and 72 Indigenous merchants.
Gates for the South Island Powwow will open at 10 a.m., with grand entry at 12 p.m. and the event running until at 8 p.m.
It’s free and open to the public, welcoming families, schools and visitors of all ages to learn, reflect and participate in the celebration of Indigenous strength, culture and identity.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the 4th annual South Island Powwow can head online here.
South Island Powwow
- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Tuesday, September 30th – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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