Georgian celebrates Indigenous cultures with 17th annual Pow Wow March 8
Feb. 21, 2025
Get your dancing shoes ready! Everyone is invited to the 17th annual Georgian College Traditional Pow Wow to celebrate and learn about Indigenous languages, cultures, songs and dances.
The annual Pow Wow, organized by Georgian’s Indigenous Service’s students and employees, takes place in the Barrie Campus Athletic Centre on Saturday, March 8. This year’s theme is Honouring the Land.
We all have responsibilities to the land. We’d like our guests to reflect on their own connection to the Earth and encourage others to do the same. As humans, we’re not more important than other creations; we’re all protectors and stewards of this land.
– Vanessa Kennedy, Special Events Coordinator, Indigenous Services at Georgian
It’s also a time to slow down and reflect on the upcoming season, added Ernestine Baldwin, Elder at Georgian College. “The land is replenishing itself now with this blanket of snow. Our Mother Earth is preparing for a wonderful spring, which will bring our green colour back,” she said.
Georgian hosting the area’s first Pow Wow of the season
Guests can learn about Indigenous cultures by observing and participating in this cultural event. We welcome you to join inter-tribal dances and shop at the Indigenous vendor’s market!
“We’re very excited to have all the amazing dancers, drummers and artisans back on campus for this cultural event. That’s a major highlight of the year,” Kennedy said, noting it’s the first Pow Wow of the season in the area and attended by hundreds of people.
The Georgian College Traditional Pow Wow runs 10:30 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m.:
- The spectacular Grand Entry will take place at noon and again at 7 p.m.
- A break will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for all attendees. During this time a hand drum competition will take place.
- Admission and parking are complimentary.
- Donations of non-perishable food items to the Georgian FoodLocker, an on-campus emergency food bank for students, are welcome.
- Please note that photography and videography are not allowed during the Grand Entries, of the sacred fire, or if an Eagle Feather falls during dancing. For more Pow Wow etiquette, please listen to the emcee and review the Pow Wow program.
For additional details about the Pow Wow, contact Vanessa Kennedy at 249.388.1019.