Dialogues for Promoting Indigenous Spirituality and Culture
Pow Wows In Honour Of Indigenous Women
Food, dance and shared traditions are important medicine to heal from trauma.
For Indigenous Peoples, traditional gatherings such as Pow Wows hold special significance, offering a chance to reconnect and celebrate ceremonies that were nearly lost. Traditional gatherings are especially meaningful for Indigenous women, who are among Canada’s most vulnerable and are often the matriarchs of their families and communities. Their strength, resilience, and wisdom deserve deep recognition and respect.
To support Indigenous women, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is planning to host an annual Pow Wow in their honour. The ONWA Traditional Pow Wow will bring together Elders, Knowledge Keepers, drummers, and dancers, offering traditional medicine, fostering community connections, and inspiring cultural pride. These gatherings are designed to promote healing from the trauma of colonization and to celebrate the strength of Indigenous women.
With support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), ONWA will be able to cover costs for the 2025 and 2026 events. This funding will support event materials and resources, with a focus on providing traditional foods and medicine for Indigenous women and their families planning to attend.
Land-based healing, which brings Elders and Knowledge Keepers together to guide participants through ceremony and teachings, is a central element of ONWA’s work. For 50 years, ONWA has championed Indigenous women’s rights and access to community, hosting more than 4,000 land-based events. Through these upcoming Pow Wows, ONWA continues its commitment to supporting Indigenous women and promoting community healing.
Diocese of Thunder Bay
