Everyone is Welcome at the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow

Come out and celebrate Indigenous cultures, dance and community at the 4th Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Powwow, taking place July 10, 11, and 12 this summer.

With thousands of people coming from all over to attend each year, the event is one of many exciting Indigenous events occurring in or near Vancouver on an annual basis.

This all-ages dance competition powwow, held by the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), is open to visitors and spectators from all backgrounds.

This year, the event will take place at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre and Ḵw’eshḵw’shétsutay̓ (Playing Place), near West Vancouver. Held in honour of the memory of Tenalh-t (Gloria “Honeygirl” Nahanee), these three action-packed days of cultural celebration uplift and honour Indigenous youth.

Remember to bring cash and an empty stomach! This powwow brings together traditional food, over 100 vendors selling all kinds of goods, and lively entertainment for the whole family. When you support these vendors and artists, you’ll be contributing to an event that provides Indigenous youth with access to education, employment and healing based in culture and community spirit.

With drumming, singing and special musical guests, attending the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow is a fantastic opportunity to experience the rich traditions of powwow and immerse yourself in the beating heart of contemporary Indigenous culture.

For the 2026 event, you can expect Juno Award-winning artist Fawn Wood as a special guest, Cree Confederation as Host Drum, and Sharpshooter, Blackstone, Chinicke Lake, and Blacklodge as Invited Drums.

As Simon Baker, President of the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow, shares, “when you walk through that gate, it’s almost like the drum hits your soul and hits your heart.”

Be sure to arrive early to catch all the exciting performances, activities and ceremonies lined up, including the grass dancers sweeping the floor before the Grand Entry, and the procession of dancers, who are brought in from eldest to youngest.

During moments such as the Grand Entry and special ceremonies, the M.C. will give you directions regarding photography and when to sit or stand. For more information about powwow etiquette, check out these easy-to-follow guidelines.

Since parking can be limited, public transit is a great option for making your way to the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow. You can take one of the buses that travel over the Lions Gate Bridge and through Stanley Park for stunning views of the forest and water.

Or, opt for an even more scenic ride over the water itself by taking the TransLink SeaBus, which will drop you off on the North Shore. From the SeaBus terminal, you can take public transit, an Uber, or a taxi to the event.

Grab your tickets soon, and pack some sunscreen. Admission is $15 a day, or $20 for a weekend pass, with children under the age of twelve offered free entry.

The perfect family-friendly activity for a hot and sunny mid-July weekend is attending Indigenous events like the Squamish Nation Youth Powwow, a wonderful opportunity to learn about and experience Indigenous culture while spending time with loved ones.

If you’re here for The FIFA World Cup 2026™ this year, you are welcome to attend the event, to witness and engage with Indigenous culture in Vancouver, BC. Before you leave town, be sure to check out some of the other vibrant cultural festivals and events happening in the city all summer long.