The fifth annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow returns to Langley Events Centre September 11-13, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to experience a weekend of Indigenous singing, dancing, drumming, food, art, and culture.
Hosted by the Indigenous women-led stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society, and the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow Committee, the three-day event brings together Indigenous communities from across the region and beyond. Whether attending a Pow Wow for the first time or returning for another year, everyone is invited to experience the traditions, music, artistry, and community that make the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow a significant annual gathering.
“It’s really a reclamation of our identity, connecting and reconnecting with other Indigenous communities,” says stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society Manager q̓ʷɑt̓ic̓ɑ, Phyllis Atkins. “It’s a safe and inclusive event, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to attend. We really want people to come and experience it, attend and be a part of it. There’s no better way.”
Throughout the weekend, Langley Events Centre will be filled with the sound of drums and singing as hundreds of dancers gather in the arena in vibrant regalia. Saturday is the busiest day of the weekend, culminating in an evening Grand Entry when more than 500 dancers will make their way into the arena together. With the drums thundering and dancers filling the floor in their regalia, these engaging moments are a powerful expression of the traditions shared throughout the Pow Wow.
Welcome ceremonies led by participating Nations will take place throughout the weekend, with representatives from q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), meθxʷey̓ (Matsqui), and səmyámə (Semiahmoo) First Nations sharing their own traditions and protocols.
The Pow Wow experience extends well beyond the arena. The vendors’ market will feature Indigenous artists, makers, and businesses offering handcrafted goods, artwork, jewellery, clothing, and more. Also in the market, visitors can choose from Indigenous-owned food vendors serving traditional and contemporary Indigenous food, including fresh bannock.
This year’s programming highlights include the return of the all-women’s drum group competition, introduced at last year’s Pow Wow. The weekend will also feature the Mason Hoop Dancers from Winnipeg alongside Coast Salish dancers and singers, Semiahmoo youth performers, and the annual Miss stɑl’əw̓ pageant, which celebrates young Indigenous leaders and sees the crowned princess represent stɑl’əw̓ at Pow Wows across Canada and the United States throughout the following year.
The name stɑl’əw̓ means “big river” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, reflecting the Pow Wow’s role in bringing together Indigenous communities from across British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Pow Wow, which runs Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13 at Langley Events Centre (7888 200 St, Langley Twp). One-day passes are $10 per person, and three-day passes are $20 per person. Admission is free for children five and under and Elders. Tickets can be purchased online via stalewpowwow.ca/tickets.
The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow is an alcohol- and drug-free, family-friendly event. Visitors are welcome to drop in for a few hours or stay for the day, with photography and video welcome unless otherwise indicated by the emcee or organizers.
The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow is organized by stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society in partnership with the Township of Langley. stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society gratefully acknowledges funding received from Canadian Heritage – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH), the Province of BC, through both the Community Gaming Grants and the Destination Events Program, the BC Arts Council Community Festivals Grant, Township of Langley Major Events, City of Surrey, City of Langley, and Metro Vancouver Regional Cultural Project, to support the flagship event.
The fifth annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow would not be possible without the financial and in-kind support from all of the sponsors and volunteers, especially:
cə̓ sqən – Golden Eagle: Global BC
p̓ɑq̓əs – Eagle: qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ First Nation, Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Management, and McWaters Endowment Fund
stqayeʔ – Wolf: BCLC, Fortis BC, Trans Power Construction (1999) Ltd., Scotiabank, and Tourism Langley
