Anishinaabe Keeshigun

August 16 and 17, 2025

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Event

Celebrate First Nations culture at Fort William Historical Park! Join us for a free weekend filled with entertainment, hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology. This year’s event will also include a Pow Wow highlighting regional dancers and drum groups and a community feast. The community feast will be held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and is open to all visitors. More information coming soon.

Quick Links

Pow Wow

About Pow Wows

Pow Wow Etiquette

Activities

Contests

Food & Beverages

Admission - Free

Visitor Information

Participant Registration

Join Us

Interested in being a dancer, craft vendor, or hosting an information booth?

Use the corresponding button below to learn more and complete the Application Form. If you require a different application format, please contact us. Registration for drum groups is day of. The first three registered drum groups that day will receive an honorarium.

Dancers

Applications will be accepted in advance and during the event. All dancers who register and attend the pow wow will receive an honorarium.

Register Now

Craft Vendors

Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. There is no cost to be a craft vendor.

Apply Now

Information Booths

Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. There is no cost to host an information booth.

Apply Now

Pow Wow

Experience a Pow Wow on the historic site, where all visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of Indigenous cultures. Watch the rhythmic drumming, captivating dances, and colorful regalia that define this celebration. Come learn, celebrate, and connect at this unforgettable gathering.

Grand Entry

Saturday at 1 p.m.

Sunday at 1 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies: Orville Councilor

Arena Director: John Slipperjack

Spiritual Advisor: Douglas Gagnon

Host Drum: Da Bloodline

Co-host Drum: Fox Island

Invited Drum: Shadow Creek and Young Thunder Singers

Male Head Dancer: Tye Moonias

Female Head Dancer: Sierra Gallant

Activities

Screening: Remembering Richard Lyons

Screenings at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Watch Remembering Richard Lyons, a new documentary about Dr. Richard Lyon, a leader in the revitalization of Pow Wow tradition in Northwestern Ontario. A new film by Boozhoo Productions and Jim Hyder, sponsored by the Thunder Bay Museum. Film length: 40 minutes and 30 seconds

Community Feast

Saturday, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the community feast.

Food Samples

Daily, 12 to 5 p.m.

Sample and learn about traditional Indigenous foods. (While supplies last.)

  • Bakwezhigan (Bannock)
  • Corn
  • Manoomin (wild rice)
  • Smoked Fish
  • Strawberry Drink

Artisan Demonstrations

These artisan demonstrations honour the heritage, knowledge and talents of Indigenous Peoples.

  • Beadwork
  • Beadwork with Melanie Shaw
  • Beaver hide preparation
  • Birch bark baskets and scrafitto with Alyssa Lentz
  • Birchbark canoe building
  • Fishnet weaving
  • Quillwork
  • Snowshoe weaving with Darren Lentz

Indigenous Sports

  • Atlatl (spear throwing) (Ages 12+)
  • Baggataway (lacrosse)
  • Double Ball

Paddle a Canoe

Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.

Woodland Era Pottery

Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Uncover the artistry of Woodland era pottery with archaeologist Clarence Surette. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate, and young visitors can create their own small pottery pieces.

Axe Throwing

Daily, 12 to 12:30 p.m.

Try your hand at throwing a trade axe! Voyageurs and tradesmen spend their leisure time trying to best one another in this game of precision and skill. (Ages 12+)

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the historic site to learn some Anishinaabemowin vocabulary.

Crafts

Make your own beaded leather bracelet.

Explore historic Fort William

On Saturday, the Farm will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Explore the historic site including the Great Hall, Canoe Shed, and Fur Stores, and visit with the farm animals. 

Guided Tours

English tours: Daily, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

French tours: Daily, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

ASL tour: Sunday at 3 p.m.

Take a guided tour of Fort William led by one of its inhabitants. Guided tours last approximately 1.5 hours.

Red Sky Métis Independent Nation

Visit the Red Sky Métis Independent Nation area to bead your own orange shirt brooch and drink some raspberry tea.

Information Booths

Connect with local organizations that are making a difference in our community.

Craft Vendors

Shop for handcrafted items that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous artisans.

Little Trading Post

Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit the satellite gift shop on the historic site for handmade items and more. Find more items in the Visitor Centre Trading Post Gift Shop, open Saturday until 7 p.m. and Sunday until 5:30 p.m.

Contests

Napawagan (Bone and Pin Game)

Contest at 2 p.m.

This game of Indigenous origin will test your hand-eye coordination. The rules of the contest have been developed based on historical sources and references.

Bannock Making

Contest at 3 p.m.

Sign-up as a team or individual, whether you’re a newbie or an expert. Registration opens at 2:45 p.m., with a maximum of 4 teams per day. Weather dependent.

Food and Beverages

Community Feast

Saturday, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Join us for a free community feast, open to all visitors.

  • Bison stew with smoked tomatoes and stone bread
  • Vegetarian option available

The Bannock Lady

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cash only

  • Baked Bannock Slice $2.50

    Plain, Blueberry, Raisin

  • Bannock Burger $9
  • Bannock Dog $7
  • Indian Taco Deluxe - Large $15
  • Indian Taco - Small $10
  • Walking Taco (Doritos) $8
  • Beverages $3

Cantine Restaurant

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visitor Information

Admission Fees

Anishinaabe Keeshigun is a free event.

What to Bring

Weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray, sunscreen: This is an all-weather program and takes place indoors and outdoors.

Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.

Chairs: Limited seating will be available in the Pow Wow area.

Getting Here

Car: Fort William Historical Park is located at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay. Parking is free.

Bicycle: Cyclists are welcome. Bike racks are available to use free of charge.

Thunder Bay Transit: Fort William Historical Park is accessible by the 4 Neebing bus route. Please visit the City of Thunder Bay Transit website for specific bus route information.

Boats & River Access: Boats cannot dock at events. There is no admissions entrance via the Kaministiquia River.
RVs: Camping is permitted at our campground with a reservation. RVs are not permitted in the parking lot for overnight stays.

About Pow Wows

Pow Wows are vibrant celebrations of Indigenous identity. They hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for their participants with sacred ceremonial songs and dances performed throughout the Pow Wow. Attending a Pow Wow, either as a guest or a participant, is a special way to experience Indigenous culture.

Pow Wows may be public or private and traditional or competitive. Traditional Pow Wows emphasize the cultural practice of dancing and drumming, while competitive Pow Wows award prizes for the many dancing styles. Anishinaabe Keeshigun at Fort William Historical Park is a public traditional Pow Wow. The event is open to the public and welcomes visitors.

 

The Grand Entry

Anishinaabe Keeshigun Grand Entry – Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Grand Entry is a parade of dancers which opens the Pow Wow. The host drum will offer a special song for the Grand Entry procession. The Eagle Staffs are carried into the circle first, followed by the national flag and any other significant flags, and are typically carried by First Nations veterans. At Anishinaabe Keeshigun you will see the Eagle Staffs, the Canadian flag and the flag for Fort William First Nation. The male and female head dancers, along with any princess or princes in attendance, and invited dignitaries are next. They are followed by the men and women dancers, the junior boy and girl dancers, with the little boy and girl dancers entering last. Once all the dancers are in the arena, the flags are raised, there is a Flag Song followed by a prayer offered by an Elder in their language. The Eagle Staffs and flags are then placed by the arbour, and the dancing begins. Dancing takes place in a clockwise direction following the path of the sun.

More information

Explore these references for more information about Pow Wows:

Anishinaabemowin Enji Jiingtamok (Anishinaabemowin at the Pow Wow)

Maamwi-biindigegaawag: Grand Entry

G’chi-twaa-aabwinigan: Arbour

Migizi miigwanaatik: Eagle staff

Akiwewin: Flag

Anishinabek Akiwewin: Anishinabek Flag

Zhimaaganish: Veteran

Enigganzid: Arena Director

Edabaakinaged: Judge

Eniigaaniigaad-nini: Head male dancer

Eniigaaniigaad-kwe:  Head female dancer

Giigida-nini: Male Emcee

Edewegjik: Drummers

Dewegan: Drum

Deweganaatig: Drum stick

Ngamo-kwe: Female singer

Ngamo-nini: Male singer

Mnaajaa-ngamwin: Honour song

Mnaajaa-ngamwinan: Honour songs

Eniimijig: The dancers

Eniimid: The one who is dancing

Gchi-nishnaabe zhigaawin: Traditional style

Zhinawa’oojigan zhigaawin: The Jingle Dance

Miishkonhsiing-eniimid: Grass Dancer (one who dances on the grass)

Memengwaanhiing ezhigaad: Fancy Shawl Dancer (one who dances like a butterfly)

Bineshiinh zhigaawin: Men’s Fancy Dance

Niizho-tkokii zhigaawin: Two step dance

Giimoochgaawin: Sneak up dance

Aandeg Zhigaawin: Crow Hop

Maawndogaang: Inter-tribal dance

Pow Wow Etiquette

  • Respect the sacred nature of the event, the Elders, drummers, singers, dancers, regalia, and the Pow Wow staff and committee.
  • Dogs are not allowed in the Pow Wow area. Leashed dogs are allowed in other areas of the site.
  • Listen to the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for information about the dances, songs and Pow Wow guidelines.
  • Photos, video and sound recordings are not permitted during ceremonial songs and dances. The MC will announce when ceremonial songs and dances are taking place.
  • Always ask permission before taking photographs of individuals wearing regalia or touching their regalia.
  • Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. You may see participants using tobacco for ceremonial purposes only.
  • Visitors should stand for ceremonial songs and dances, including the Grand Entry, Flag Songs, Veteran Songs, and Honour Songs.
  • Visitors are welcome to join specific Pow Wow dances. The MC will announce which dances are appropriate for visitors to join.
  • Do not hold children while dancing in the dance area. Holding a child may be regarded as them being a gift to the Creator.
  • Always walk or dance in a clockwise direction when in the dance area. Do not run around the dance area; horseplay is not tolerated.
  • Questions about the Pow Wow and traditions are welcome; however, avoid interrupting ceremonies or participants who are actively engaged.