Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival is coming up fast
The 3-day Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival runs August 1–3, featuring championship powwow dancing, an art and music festival with headliners Crystal Shawanda and Aysanabee, food, and craft vendors.
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Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival is coming up fast
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WIIKWEMKOONG—The annual Wiikwemkoong Cultural Festival takes place August 1 to 3 and promises to be an amazing three days—including the Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival.
Gates open at 9 am daily, welcoming visitors to three days of vibrant Anishinaabe dance, drumming and championship competitions, alongside with the opportunity to purchase authentic arts and crafts from Anishnaabe vendors, mouthwatering traditional cuisine and cross-cultural performances that bring communities together.
The cultural festival is more than just a competition powwow, albeit one of the oldest in Canada. There is the Wiikwemkoong Art Gallery and Cultural Pavilion, included with admission, along with cultural workshops. Headliners this year are Crystal Shawanda and Aysanabee (and others).
The prizes for the competitions are substantial, attracting some of the best traditional and modern powwow dancers and drums from across Turtle Island.
This year’s masters of ceremonies are former Ogimaa Duke Peltier, Allan Manitowbi and Adrian Harjo. Host drum Battle Nation.
Among the special events this year are the Indigenous Culinary Showcase and the Smoke/Fancy Dance Showcase.
August 1 Grand Entry is at 12 pm and 7 pm and again on August 2, while on August 3 Grand Entry is at 12 pm. Gates will open at 10 am each day and admission is adults $15 daily; $30 for a weekend pass; children $5 daily (under 6 are free); and elders 65-plus are free,
This is a family-friendly, alcohol- and substance-free event with 24-hour security, so bring the whole crew.
Come witness six-and-a-half decades of resilience, artistry, and community spirit on the shores of Manitoulin Island. For further information, see ad on Page 17, or please contact Wikwemikong Anishinaabe Aadiziwin Nakiigamig at (705) 859-2385 or by email to [email protected].
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