Miawpukek First Nation Powwow: What to Know Before You Go

When I was planning my Newfoundland and Labrador road trip, attending the Miawpukek First Nation Powwow was one of the experiences I was most looking forward to. But I was also a little nervous.

I think this might be the case for a lot of non-Indigenous Canadians. When attending a powwow, you want to be respectful. You’re worried about making a mistake, and you’re not always sure whether you’re even supposed to be there.

After spending the day at the powwow, though, I realized those concerns are exactly why more people should attend.

The Miawpukek Powwow is a celebration of Mi’kmaq culture, and throughout the day I found myself learning not only about the traditions being celebrated, but also about the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can be in community together. 

So if you’re thinking of attending the annual Miawpukek Powwow, here’s what you should know before you go.

Ktaqmkuk, the Mi’kmaq name for the island of Newfoundland, is the traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq.

What is the Miawpukek First Nation Powwow?

Miawpukek First Nation (also known as the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve) is the only officially recognized, land-based First Nation reserve on the island of Newfoundland. 

Located at the mouth of the Conne River on Newfoundland’s south coast. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Gander, and a 1-hour drive from Harbour Breton, which is where we based ourselves while visiting the region.

Today, the community is home to roughly 840 residents living on-reserve and more than 3,100 registered members. 

Miawpukek is a self-governing First Nation. They operate their own K–12 school system, where Mi’kmaq language and culture are woven into education, as well as its own health and social services. 

The Miawpukek Annual First Nation Powwow happens every July, and it celebrates Indigenous culture, bringing together traditional dancing, drumming, singing, food, artisans, and community. 

It’s a joyful event centred around celebrating culture, sharing traditions, and bringing people together. 

Throughout the day at the Miawpukek Annual Powwow, you can watch a variety of dances performed by dancers in beautiful regalia, hear drum groups perform, browse Indigenous vendors, participate in a sweat lodge, and enjoy traditional foods alongside plenty of other local food options.

Why the Miawpukek Powwow Began

While attending the Miawpukek Powwow, I had the chance to speak with Colleen Lambert.

She’s the Miawpukek First Nation’s Director of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. Colleen works to grow Indigenous tourism for Miawpukek First Nation while also leading cultural revitalization efforts through programs that teach and celebrate Mi’kmaq traditions within the community.

She explained that after Miawpukek became a land-based reserve in the 1980s, community leaders recognized that much of their Mi’kmaq culture had been lost through generations of colonization. 

Policies like the Indian Act, residential schools, and forced assimilation prevented the passing down of language, ceremonies, and cultural traditions from one generation to the next.

The powwow was created as a way to help bring those traditions back, teach them to younger generations, and ensure they continue into the future.

One thing Colleen said has really stayed with me: “I grew up without Mi’kmaq culture, but my children did not.”

That simple sentence captures exactly why the powwow is so important. It’s about cultural revitalization as much as celebration.

She also explained that while you’ll see dances like Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress throughout the day, many of these traditions were adopted through relationships with other Indigenous Nations. 

Traditional Mi’kmaq dances are also performed, including the Two-Step and Ko’jua, as communities continue to reclaim and celebrate their own cultural traditions.

Dancers during the Grand Entry

A Celebration That Continues to Grow

What began as a community event has grown into one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest annual Indigenous celebrations.

Today, around 4,500 people attend over the course of the weekend, which is pretty remarkable to think about, considering that there are less than 1,000 permanent residents in the Samiajij Miawpukek Reserve.

During powwow weekend, the community’s population almost triples! Despite this growth, Colleen says the goal has never been to become a massive event.

The Miawpukek Powwow is a traditional powwow (rather than a competition powwow) and maintaining a friendly atmosphere is important to the community. 

“We just like it to be nice and intimate,” Colleen told me.

That was something I noticed myself as we spent the day at the Miawpukek Annual Powwow. It felt busy and festive, but never crowded or overwhelming.

Can Non-Indigenous People Attend the Miawpukek Powwow?

Yes. In fact, the community wants you to. This was one misconception Colleen wanted to clear up when we chatted.

For many years, many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians assumed the powwow was only for Indigenous people. 

As a result, relatively few non-Indigenous visitors attended. Over the past decade, Miawpukek First Nation has made a conscious effort to encourage more people to come, learn, and experience the celebration.

But it’s not simply about increasing attendance. As Colleen told me, one of the things she enjoys most is having the opportunity to meet visitors and talk with them throughout the weekend. 

The powwow gives visitors a chance to ask questions, learn firsthand about Mi’kmaq culture, and spend time with community members in a way that might not happen otherwise.

But Colleen did acknowledge that many first-time visitors are simply nervous about getting the etiquette wrong.

That’s why the Miawpukek Powwow’s emcee explains protocols, letting people know what’s happening, when photos are allowed, and answering questions. 

If you make an honest mistake, it’s treated as an opportunity to learn, not something to be embarrassed about. 

What to Expect During the Powwow

The day begins with the Grand Entry, when dancers, Elders, veterans, and flags enter the arbor together. An arbor is the central, circular ceremonial structure at a powwow where Indigenous dancers, singers, and drummers gather. 

It serves as the focal point of the event, with nearly all of the day’s ceremonies and dances taking place within it.

The Grand Entry is one of the most important moments of the day. It officially opens the powwow as dancers enter the arbor in a procession behind the Eagle Staff, veterans, and flags, while the host drum (in 2026, it was Stoney Bear) provides the music.

Once everyone is assembled, opening prayers, songs, and welcomes take place before the day’s dancing and celebrations begin.

Throughout the afternoon, you’ll watch traditional dances performed by dancers of all ages, including the Jingle Dress Dance, Fancy Shawl Dance, Two-Step, and Ko’jua. 

During my visit, the powwow’s Head Female Dancer, Kaitlin Rizarri, and Head Male Dancer, Isaas Syliboy, helped lead many of the dances throughout the day.

You’ll also hear the steady rhythm of the drum groups, browse Indigenous artists and vendors, and have the opportunity to sample traditional foods. 

At the Miawpukek Powwow, there was a tent serving traditional dishes like moose nose, beaver, and smoked salmon.

One of my favourite moments came right at the end of the day during the Potato Dance. This is a fun social dance where partners balance a potato between their foreheads while dancing, trying not to let it fall. 

Anyone can participate, and the emcee kept making the final teams perform increasingly ridiculous dance moves in an attempt to knock their potatoes loose.

Closing the Day With a Community Feast

After a full day spent watching dances, browsing vendors, and learning about Mi’kmaq culture, the powwow concludes with the Retiring of the Flags. 

This closing ceremony is essentially the reverse of the Grand Entry, as the Eagle Staff, veterans, and flags are ceremonially escorted out of the arbor. 

It marks the official end of the day’s celebrations, and visitors are once again asked to stand and show their respect.

Right after the ceremonies end, everyone is invited to stay for a free community dinner.

Before anyone else is served, Elders are invited to the front of the line as a sign of respect. Once all of the Elders have received their meals, everyone else is welcomed to join in.

During my visit, dinner included salmon, hearty vegetable soup, carrots, potatoes, fresh bread, and other home-style dishes. 

Powwow Etiquette: Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re attending your first powwow, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect. 

The good news is that powwows are welcoming events, and the emcee does an excellent job of explaining what’s happening throughout the day. 

As long as you arrive with respect and an openness to learn, you’ll be just fine. Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Listen to the emcee. They’ll explain the schedule, share the meaning behind different dances, and let everyone know when there are special protocols to follow.
• Stand (if you’re able) during the Grand Entry and remove your hat if asked. This opening procession is one of the most important parts of the day and deserves the same respect you would show during any significant ceremony.
• Always ask before taking photos or videos. While photography is often welcomed, there are times when it isn’t appropriate. The emcee will let everyone know when photos are permitted.
• Never touch someone’s regalia or ask to try it on. Regalia is not a costume. It is deeply personal and often carries cultural, spiritual, and family significance.
• Remember that you’re attending a cultural celebration, not a performance. Many of the dances have ceremonial or cultural importance, so watch respectfully and avoid treating them as entertainment.
• Ask respectful questions. If you have questions about something you’ve seen or heard, don’t be afraid to ask. In my experience, people were incredibly friendly and happy to share their culture with visitors who were genuinely interested in learning.
• Support Indigenous artists and businesses by browsing the vendor booths. You’ll find everything from beadwork and artwork to clothing and handmade crafts.
• Join in the social dances if visitors are invited. These dances are a fun way to participate and are open to everyone when announced by the emcee.
• Don’t bring alcohol or drugs. Powwows are family-friendly, community events, and alcohol and drugs are typically not permitted.

Before attending the Miawpukek Powwow, I worried I’d accidentally do something disrespectful. In reality, the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and the etiquette was much less intimidating to learn than I expected. 

If you come with curiosity, listen to the guidance that’s shared throughout the day, and approach the experience with respect, you’ll have a great experience!

FAQs For Attending the Miawpukek Powwow

Why I Think Every Canadian Should Attend a Powwow

Before attending the Miawpukek Powwow, much of what I’d learned about Indigenous culture had come through museums, books, and historical accounts. 

While those experiences are valuable, I think that there’s an inherent distance to learning about a culture through exhibits and pages.

Spending the day at the powwow brought that learning into the present and showed me how Mi’kmaq culture continues to shape everyday community life.

As Canadians, we often talk about truth and reconciliation in terms of learning difficult history, and that work is incredibly important. 

But I think that reconciliation also means showing up when we’re invited, celebrating Indigenous cultures, supporting Indigenous artists and businesses, and taking the time to listen.

That’s ultimately what I took away from my day in Miawpukek. I arrived a bit worried about doing the wrong thing. But I left realizing that being there was important. It was a chance to learn, ask questions, and spend time together. 

I want to thank Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism  for hosting Lucas and I as media. All opinions expressed are my own. If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll love my newsletter, as well as my Facebook group. You’re welcome to join these communities – would love to see you there!

More to read on travel in Newfoundland and Labrador:

• How to Spend 2 Days in Trinity, Newfoundland
• Why You Should Visit the Exploits Islands (& What to Expect)
• Visiting The Beaches: A Glimpse Into Newfoundland’s Past