Kahnawake hosts 33rd Echoes of a Proud Nation Powwow
Posted July 12, 2025 4:51 pm.
Last Updated July 16, 2025 3:45 pm.
The Echoes of a Proud Nation Powwow is taking place this weekend in Kahnawake, bringing together dancers, drummers, singers, artisans and guests from across Indigenous nations and communities.
Now in its 33rd year, the annual gathering is a celebration of Indigenous culture, resilience and community.
The two-day event, held July 12 and 13, continues to honour the strength and survival of the Kanien’kehá:ka people and commemorates the Oka Crisis of 1990.
“We celebrate our peace, we celebrate our resistance, we celebrate each other,” said Kimberly Cross, one of the organizers and tourism development agent for Kahnawà:ke Tourism.
A sacred space for healing, connection, and remembrance
Cross said the annual powwow is a vital way for community members, visitors and sister nations to come together — to practice culture, support one another, and pass on teachings.
“It’s really important for our community to get together every year, and it’s commemorating the Oka Crisis that happened in 1990,” she said. “We want that relationship [with others] to continue to grow and to be a good relationship.”
She added that the powwow is also a key opportunity for Indigenous artists and vendors.
“It’s great for our economy as well,” she said. “A lot of vendors, a lot of artists — they rely on powwow to get them through.”
Cross added that some vendors travel from far distances to attend each year.
“We see people maybe once a year here at powwow — our family, some of the vendors who come from far just to come to our powwow because it’s a really great one,” Cross said.
“They’re medicine” — honouring the spiritual power of dance
Warren Papatie, a traditional dancer from the Moku clan, said powwows are spiritual spaces where teachings, energy and connection are shared.
“We’re here to dance the tribals,” he said. “They’re medicine. We’ll be doing contests, and also in the beginning it’s going to be a grand entry.”
He described the deeper meaning behind the regalia worn by dancers.
“It’s all about your passion and being compassionate around what you’re wearing — your animal, your horsehair, your eagle feathers,” he said. “They all do the work. We’re just bodies. And this is what we do. We honour it.”
Papatie explained that powwows are rooted in balance — between the sun and the moon, and between all directions of life.
“We harmonize the four directions. Some go by the moon and some go by the sun,” he said. “We have this balance going on the Earth.”
Resilience and continuity — keeping sacred traditions alive
Sam Ojeda, a northern-style traditional dancer, said powwows are a testament to Indigenous survival and strength.
“The reason why we’re here is we are celebrating one more opportunity this year,” he said. “That we’re alive, that we’re thriving, that our culture is getting more and more known.”
Ojeda said that while powwows began in the Plains, they’ve spread across Turtle Island, creating moments of unity and cultural sharing.
“This is not powwow territory, but we dance powwow all over the country now and in the States as well,” he said. “Powwow means an opportunity to unite — to be sharing fraternity and unity.”
He said the sacred circle that dancers move within is more than a shape — it’s a symbol.
“It represents precisely what I said — unity and fraternity,” said Ojeda.
A new dancer honours tradition
Eight-year-old Ahwentsio:io Cross took part in the smoke dance competition for the first time this weekend. Though nervous, she said she was excited to dance and share what she had learned.
“I’ve been to it, but I’ve never danced in one,” she said. “We did practicing, no practicing, practicing, no practicing. So I’m really excited about that.”
Eight-year-old Ahwentsio:io Cross took part in the smoke dance competition for the first time this weekend. Though nervous, she said she was excited to dance and share what she had learned.
Building understanding and respect — bridging communities
Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, also attended the event. He said powwows offer powerful opportunities for learning and connection.
“It’s a good opportunity for people that don’t really know First Nations to know more about culture, language, their realities — because there’s a lack of knowledge,” he said. “This is the beginning sometimes of intolerance, even racism, when we don’t know each other.”
Lafrenière said he brought his daughter with him so she could experience the powwow and be part of creating change.
“It’s important that my kids see that they’re part of the change,” he said. “It’s a perfect opportunity to know each other and to lower those barriers.”
He also emphasized how powwows ripple beyond the grounds where they take place.
“These people got a role after. As soon as they’re back home, they’re going to talk about what they’ve seen,” he said. “It’s a very positive ripple effect.”
A growing gathering of nations — celebrating unity and culture
Organizers expect thousands to attend this year’s powwow. With people coming from near and far — including other Indigenous communities and Montreal-area visitors — the powwow has become a proud, welcoming space.
“It’s a great way for us to continue our ways and to gather as nations,” said Cross.
