Home Community Record-Breaking Crowds Dance and Feast at The Georgina Pow Wow

Record-Breaking Crowds Dance and Feast at The Georgina Pow Wow

October 2, 2025

The sun shone brightly on dancers, feasters, and visitors from all over Ontario at the 2025 Georgina Pow Wow, hosted by the Chippewas of Georgina Island. Almost three thousand people joined in the pow wow held on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, at Sutton District High School.

Lauri Hoeg, pow wow coordinator and Chippewas of Georgina Island member, said, “We’ve had a great turnout and wonderful weather for dancing, drumming, and feasting.”

Many wore traditional dress or orange shirts, which honour Indigenous culture, history and the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. Sept. 30 is the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Tanessa Scott, James Bay Cree, travelled from Timmins with her two sisters and niece for the weekend and wore a green jingle dress with gold metal cones sewn into rows.

“This is a healing dress, and the music from the jingles is spiritually powerful,” Scott said. “I love coming to this pow wow. It’s wonderful learning new songs and getting to know the drummers.”

Aleigha Echum, a five-year-old, also wore a jingle dress and participated in her first round dance. “It was fun, and I made new friends. I really love the candy and food.”

Her mother, Kaneisha Echum, explained how important the Round Dances are to her family. “We go every weekend to a Round Dance, and it helps with healing and communing with loved ones. The Georgina Pow Wow is one of our favourites. It’s very welcoming and we enjoy being near the water here in Jackson’s Point. There is also a small-town feel to the festivities, which feels like home.”

Kayci Edwards, the third sister from Timmons, said, “I definitely love seeing all the regalia the most. We attend dances all year round.”

Head Fire Keeper Andrew McConnell and Lauri Hoeg

Kayci Edwards (purple), Kaneisha Echum (black t-shirt), Aleigha Echum (pink jingle dress), Tanessa Scott (green jingle dress)

The annual gathering is one of Georgina’s most significant Indigenous cultural events, and featured Grand Entry ceremonies, social and competitive dances, drum circles, artisan booths and cultural presentations. First Nations vendors offered woodland art, beadwork, leather goods, dreamcatchers, clothing and traditional herbal medicines.

A white teepee shielded the sacred fire, which was kept burning for the duration of the pow wow. The flames were tended by fire keepers and provided the spiritual center for the gathering.

Andrew McConnell, Nipissing First Nation, was the head fire keeper and followed Anishinaabe protocols.

“The fire burns for the entire duration of the pow wow. The drums come to the sacred fire to be tuned up with the heat,” said McConnell.

Allan Manitowabi from Christian Island in Georgina Bay, Beausoleil First Nation, kept the crowd engaged and enthusiastic as emcee.

“It’s been an excellent weekend. It’s great to see the community working together like this,” said Manitowabi. “Chi-Miigwetch to the great hospitality by the community, organizers and to the drums, dancers, vendors and head staff. Hoka.”