Spring Celebration Powwow kicks off Saturday in Regina

The 45th annual First Nations University of Canada Powwow is kicking off this weekend in Regina.

The Spring Celebration Powwow is the largest powwow in Western Canada and the longest-standing in Canada. Spokesperson Cherish Jean-Baptiste says the celebration typically draws in more than 8,000 people to the community.

“They come from as far as New Mexico, throughout the United States, and all over Canada,” Jean-Baptiste told the Greg Morgan Morning Show.

The powwow, which runs Saturday and Sunday, is open for everybody to attend.

“We obviously want to use this as a reconciliation opportunity as well for those who may have never attended a powwow,” Jean-Baptiste explained.

Scheduled events during the two-day powwow include various types of traditional dances, the Miss First Nations University Princess Pageant, and a singing contest.

Jean-Baptiste said there will also be an Indigenous trade show and many types of traditional food available during the event.

“We have our traditional food booth that we have partnered with Chili for Children on, along with the bannock tacos, bannock hamburgers, and traditional food that will be there,” she explained.

Jean-Baptiste said the powwow also has a significant impact on the local economy.

“We partnered with Tourism Saskatchewan back in 2018 and did an economic impact study and determined that the powwow actually generated $1.19 million (in) economic activity to the City of Regina just for those two days,” she said.

Doors to the Brandt Centre open at 9 a.m. on each day of the event. The daily admission fee is $13, and a weekend pass is $18.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an amended version of this story, correcting the dates of the event.