'A warm and welcoming event’: U of T Mississauga gears up for 3rd annual All-Nations Powwow

Through drumming, dancing and collective celebration, members of the University of Toronto Mississauga community are soon set to come together for the All-Nations Powwow. 

Hosted by U of T Mississauga’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the event on Saturday, Oct. 4 marks the third year people will gather on campus to celebrate Indigenous culture, community and tradition. 

Such gatherings are an important part of building bridges between communities, said Jordan Jamieson, Indigenous student support specialist at U of T Mississauga and part of the organizing team for the powwow.  

“Having a powwow on campus has been revitalizing to see and creates an opportunity for the UTM community to learn about Indigenous cultures,” said Jamieson. “One of the things powwow is good at is being a warm and welcoming event, and a space that everyone is welcome in.” 

The event takes place on Sisters in Spirit Day, which remembers, raises awareness of and calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. The powwow also falls in the same week as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.  

Jamieson said all community members are encouraged to get a free ticket to experience what the powwow has to offer.  

“I love sharing a part of my culture and watching people experience powwow for the first time ever and, of course, visiting the friends and family that attend every year,” he said.  

Blakeley Thompson, a third-year digital enterprise management student, said events like the All-Nations Powwow help build a sense of Indigenous community on campus.  

“I came from Thunder Bay, an area with a large Indigenous Ojibway population, and I wanted to be around some sort of Indigenous presence (while at school),” he said. “Without it, a lot of people have to end up studying somewhere local, which limits options.” 

Thompson said he appreciates the experiences and connections he’s been able to explore through U of T Mississauga’s Indigenous supports and resources. 

“I showed up at the gathering space in the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building my first week at UTM, did the Indigenous orientation session [and] just started hanging out,” he said.  

“It’s nice having a special space to meet people and learn about things like the work study program, take workshops, go to events, learn about drumming, arts and volunteering.”  

For this year’s All-Nations Powwow – his second at U of T Mississauga – Thompson will work as assistant to the Fire Keeper, who maintains the sacred fire, which symbolizes spiritual connection between the living and spirit worlds. He has also been taking traditional dance lessons over the summer in preparation for the event.

“I really like the intertribal dances when everyone can join, and also the community dances and features for friends or romantic partners,” he said. “It’s nice to see people celebrating and living out their reality.” 

This year’s powwow will be taking place at the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 11 a.m. 

The festivities are set to begin with a grand entry ceremony and will include dance competitions, water drumming, Inuit drumming and a vendors’ market featuring Indigenous-owned businesses (most vendors will take cash only, but there will be an ATM on site).

Jamieson, of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, said first-time attendees can watch a webinar to familiarize themselves with powwow protocols and etiquette, making it easy for everyone to join in.

“You don’t need to know anything going in. Just be respectful and listen to protocols – the emcee will provide guidance throughout the day,” he said. “When the intertribal or spot dances get called, join in and experience the powwow in its full form. Go to have fun!”