The Spirit of the Drum Powwow is set to make a powerful return to Duck Island in Smiths Falls on June 14 and 15, with organizers promising a bigger and more vibrant celebration than ever before. With rising interest and participation, the event footprint will expand across to Murphy Park on the mainland to accommodate the growing number of dancers, drummers, and vendors.
“More dancers, more drummers, more vendors. We’ve had to expand the footprint over to the mainland in Murphy Park to meet demand,” said Mayor Shawn Pankow during a council meeting on April 22. “It’s proving to be an incredible event.”
The powwow originated from the Indigenous studies program at Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute, designed to educate both students and the broader community about First Nations culture. Since its inaugural event in 2017, the powwow has evolved into a cherished community tradition, returning for its sixth edition this year, with a few interruptions along the way.
The two-day cultural celebration will feature traditional singing, dancing, and drumming, led by host drum Smoke Trail and co-host drum Eagle River, with additional performances from Papasse, the Ottawa River Singers, and Wild Band. This year’s head dancer is Vincent Rain of Paul First Nation, with Nevaeh Sarazin of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation serving as junior head dancer.
Lead organizer Josée Bourgeois, also of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, shared that attendees can expect a deeper and more engaging experience this year. “We do plan on having quite an elevated experience this year,” said Bourgeois. “We might have a few surprises in store on Saturday and Sunday for people to be interactive.”
The powwow has long attracted Indigenous participants from across Turtle Island, including from Arizona, New Brunswick, and New York. However, the event faced cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, and again in 2023 because of a funding shortfall. Bourgeois emphasized that the decision to cancel was not taken lightly.
“It’s not just planning another event,” she said. “It’s a ceremony aspect and it’s such a sensitive nature where you’re inviting all these people to come and have an experience that is so special to everybody.”
In response to the cancellation, the Town of Smiths Falls issued a statement acknowledging its failure to adequately prepare for the financial challenges. “We recognize that our lack of preparedness to absorb any shortfalls in funding, and to take the necessary steps to overcome that shortfall, not only led to the cancellation but also strained our relationships with our key stakeholders and partners,” Mayor Pankow wrote.
To ensure the event’s continuity, the town has now included the required funding in its 2025 budget, reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation and cultural preservation. The annual core funding is being jointly provided by the Town of Smiths Falls and the Upper Canada District School Board. Additionally, this year’s edition is supported by $20,000 from the Ontario government, through the 2025 Experience Ontario program.
Despite the institutional support, Bourgeois made it clear that the powwow does not belong to any town or entity. “This is not the Smiths Falls’ powwow. This is the Spirit of the Drum Powwow on Algonquin Territory that happens to be shared by the town of Smiths Falls. It is planned with an individual Algonquin woman. I’m not an entity, I’m not a company.”
When asked what she hopes non-Indigenous visitors take away from attending, Bourgeois offered a moment of reflection instead. “I think that’s going to give a better picture of where they need to reflect and absorb the lessons to achieve their goals,” she said, encouraging participants to approach the experience with intention and respect.
With renewed support, a growing community of participants, and a deep sense of cultural purpose, the Spirit of the Drum Powwow is poised to make a profound impact this June—honoring traditions, building bridges, and celebrating Indigenous heritage in a powerful and inclusive way.
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