Anishinaabe Keeshigun

August 22 and 23, 2026

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, 4:30 to 6 p.m., and is open to all visitors.

Quick Links

Pow Wow

About Pow Wows

Pow Wow Etiquette

Dancer Registration

Activities

Contests

Artisan & Craft Vendors

Community Booths

Food & Beverages

Admission - Free

Visitor Information

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 at the event 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 Monday, August 17, 2026, by 9 a.m. There is no cost to be a craft vendor.

Apply Now

Information Booths

Completed applications are due Monday, August 17, 2026, by 9 a.m. There is no cost to host an information booth.

Apply Now

Pow Wow

Grand Entry

Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m.

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.

Master of Ceremonies: Dave Simard

Arena Director: John Slipperjack

Spiritual Advisor: Douglas Gagnon

Host Drum: Ojibwe Alliance

Co-host Drum: Da Bloodline

Invited Drum: Fox Island

Male Head Dancer: Adam Hubbard

Female Head Dancer: Tanis Faulconer

Competition Dances

Saturday – Women’s Special (open to dancers of all genders)

Sunday – Men’s Special (open to dancers of all genders)

Sunday – Women’s Strap Dress All Round Winner

Winners will receive a cash prize.

Interested in being a dancer?

Use the ‘Register Now’ button 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 at the event 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

Activities

Explore historic Fort William

Farm hours: Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Guided Tours

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.

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.

Baggataway (Lacrosse)

Test your skill at Canada’s National summer sport! 

Did you know? Lacrosse originated as a sacred sport played by First Nations people for spiritual, ceremonial, and diplomatic purposes. Learn more about the history of lacrosse.

Double Ball

Try this traditional Indigenous sport. Primarily played by women, double ball requires speed, skill and endurance.

Axe Throwing

Daily, 12 to 12:30 p.m. | Ages 12+

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+)

Archeology

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

Hands-on learning with archaeologist Clarence Surette.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the historic site to learn some Anishinaabemowin vocabulary.

Crafts

Make your own paper mukuk (basket) and paper turtle.

Artisan Demonstrations

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

  • Animal hide preparation
  • Beadwork
  • Beadwork with Melanie Shaw
  • Birchbark canoe building
  • Little brooms with Alicia Brink
  • Quillwork
  • Snowshoe weaving with Darren Lentz

Food Samples

Daily, 12 to 4 p.m.

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

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

Contests

Napawagan (Bone and Pin Game)

Daily, 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

Daily, 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.

Artisan & Craft Vendors

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

  • Beadwork by Katelyne
  • Beadwork by Spade
  • Beading My Way Back
  • Charmed by Teagan
  • CHEMISTree Art & Design
  • Courtney Forbes Creation
  • Dawson Creations
  • Deadly Braidz
  • Francis Family Crafts
  • Giniw Designs
  • Indigenous Creature Apparel
  • Joanna’s Epoxy Designs
  • Kelly’s Beadwork
  • Kelly’s Krafts Etc
  • Lady Offredi
  • Little Bear Trading
  • Made by Caroline D.
  • Magnetic Jewelry
  • Martin Cedar Products
  • My Heart Your Hands
  • Princess Heart Designs
  • Rainbow Country Arts, Gifts & Things
  • Sabe Studios
  • Scarlet Lane Designs
  • Shawnas Arts & Crafts
  • Silver Cedar Studio
  • Suckle Creek Designs
  • Sunnstrawberry Creations
  • Waawate ikwa
  • White Owl Unique Crafts

Community Booths

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

  • BelMind Therapeia
  • Bringing Our Children Home (BOCH) Initiative
  • Creatives for Climate
  • Dilico Human Resources, Indigenous Recruitment Liaison
  • EmployNext powered by Serco
  • Growing Healthy Places: Thunder Bay (Saturday only)
  • Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
  • Maamawe, Indigenous Relations
  • Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Recruitment Booth
  • Ontario Native Women’s Association
  • Oshki-Wenjack
  • Red Sky Métis Independent Nation

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.

  • Bannock Taco Deluxe $12
  • Bannock Burger $9 | Cheese +$1
  • Walking Taco (Doritos) $8
  • Baked Bannock Slice $3

    Plain, blueberry, or raisin

  • Beverages $3

    Pop, juice, water

Cantine Restaurant

Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 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.

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.

  • Activities are offered in English, unless otherwise noted.
  • Activity schedule may change or be cancelled without notice.

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.