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South Island Powwow

Name: South Island Powwow
Start: 2026-09-30
End: 2026-09-30
Location: Victoria

Hosted by the Songhees Nation on lək̓ʷəŋən territory, the South Island Powwow is an annual gathering in Victoria held on September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This cultural event honours residential school survivors, their families, and children who never returned home through traditional dancing, drumming, and community storytelling.

Date: Sep 30, 2026
Location: Victoria
Status: Starts today

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Event summary

Highlights

Grand entry and category dances
Lekwungen Dancers performances
Traditional food and artisan vendors
Cultural sharing and storytelling

The South Island Powwow serves as a public space for indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to gather, often wearing orange to mark Orange Shirt Day. The event recognizes the history and impact of Indian Residential and Day Schools as well as the Sixties Scoop. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about local Indigenous culture and the meaning of truth and reconciliation in a respectful environment.

Activities throughout the day include a grand entry followed by various category dances and performances by the Lekwungen Dancers. Cultural demonstrations, such as grass dancing, help explain traditional practices to the audience. The grounds also feature numerous vendors and food stalls preparing midday feasts for attendees.

The event is held in a Victoria park and is free and open to the public. It is designed to be family-friendly, welcoming schools and visitors of all ages from the morning until the evening. Now in its fifth year, the gathering has seen significant growth in attendance, drawing over 20,000 people to participate in the day's reflections and celebrations.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Victoria Park; todayinbc.com
Area for browsing nearby events: Victoria

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.