As you cruise down Brantford’s scenic Highway 54, don’t be surprised if you hear the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow before you actually see it. Follow the sound of beating drums and First Nations song and before long you’ll be met by one of the most colourful celebrations your eyes have ever encountered.

For over 35 years, the Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow has been attracting dancers, singers and spectators from across North America. They descend on Ohsweken Speedway in the Six Nations community of Ohsweken, for two days of First Nations music, dance, arts, crafts, food and connection.

While Pow Wows are held across the continent, the Grand River event is widely known, partly because of its competitive edge. The dancer that accumulates the most points over the course of the weekend is deemed the “Champion of Champions” and, just like Stanley Cup champions, their name is engraved on a large trophy. There are also impressive cash prizes up for grabs in a variety of dance and singing categories.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 5 TIPS FOR AN AMAZING POW WOW EXPERIENCE

Watch, listen and learn – If you’re unfamiliar with First Nations culture, watch the Master of Ceremonies for cues on appropriate behaviour including when to stand to show respect and when quiet is expected.

Capture the moment – With such colourful regalia, come prepared to snap some truly share-worthy pics for all your social feeds, but be sure to ask dancers’ permission first. Also, listen to the Master of Ceremonies, who will inform the audience when photographs should not be taken as a sign of respect.

Bring a lawn chair – While there is onsite stadium seating, the popularity of this event means those bleachers can fill up quickly. To be safe, pack a portable lawn chair so you can enjoy the festivities in comfort.

Try something new – While all your summer favourites like hamburgers, hotdogs and lemonade are available from the onsite food vendors, the Pow Wow also offers you a chance to get a taste of a cuisine that you may not have tried before. Choose a few different items from the amazing selection of traditional First Nations fare like corn soup, fry bread, Indian tacos, wild game and wild rice. As not all vendors will take credit or debit cards, be sure to bring some cash.

Take home a memento – The Pow Wow attracts some of Canada’s leading First Nations artisans, and browsing the many vendor booths you’ll find at the park also gives you an opportunity to meet the talented artists. Bringing home a cozy pair of hand-stitched moccasins, some bead work or a beautiful piece of jewelry is a wonderful way to always remember the experience. Again, it’s a wise idea to have some cash on hand.

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July 24 - 28

Afternoon Mixed Media Camp (Ages 7-12): July 24 – July 28

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: July 24 to July 28, TIME: 1PM to 4PM, MEMBER COST: $135.00,...

Now thru December 31

Drop-In Art Tour

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Now thru November 30

Discovery Kids Courses

Treetop Trekking

5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Individual Rate Ages 5-8: $27 School/ Youth Groups Rate Ages 5-8: $20

Now thru December 31

Guided Tour

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Guided Tours available for a minimum of 15 people, maximum of 75. For larger groups,...

Now thru December 31

Tour Days

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Now thru October 15

Overnight Canoe Camping Trip (Self Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

Included: canoe / 13ft kayaks, PFDs, paddles, shuttle service, overnight campsite at Brant Park Conservation...

Now thru September 22

Five Oaks Trip

Grand River Rafting Company

181 Bethel Rd, Paris, On N3L 3E3

You can book online or if needing help… call our office at 519-442-2519. If calling,...

July 24 - 28

Afternoon Clay Camp (Ages 7-12): July 24 – July 28

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: July 24 to July 28, TIME: 1PM to 4PM, MEMBER COST: $135.00,...

Now thru June 17

STEAM-gineers

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Self Guided Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru November 19

Bruce Trail Iroquoia Day Trip

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

This trip is offered on: Daily Between: Apr 16, 2022 and Nov 19, 2023

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