Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Pow Wow 2025: Honouring the Youth!

Get ready for an electrifying weekend of culture, dance, and community spirit at the 39th Annual Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Pow Wow! Taking place May 16-18, 2025, this year’s event is all about “Honoring the Youth”, a theme that highlights the strength and future of Indigenous traditions.

Contents

1 Where and When?
2 Exciting Head Staff Lineup
3 Dance and Drum Contests – Big Prize Payouts!
- 3.1 Drum Contest Payouts
- 3.2 Dance Categories
4 Grand Entry Times
5 Other Exciting Events & Features
6 Things to Do in Loon Lake, SK
7 Where to Stay?
8 Join the Celebration!
9 Share this:
10 Like this:

Where and When?

The pow wow will be hosted at Jason Morin-Child Memorial Arena in Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 Territory—just 30 minutes west of Meadow Lake, SK. It promises to be a gathering full of vibrant energy, breathtaking performances, and deep cultural connections.

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Exciting Head Staff Lineup

This year’s pow wow will feature an impressive lineup of head staff, including:

Master of Ceremonies: Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka (California, USA) & Vern Chocan (Onion Lake, Treaty 6)
Head Drum Judge: Vincent Kytwayhat (Makwa Sahgaiehcan, Treaty 6)
Arena Directors: Vince “Chicken” Rain (Paul Band, Treaty 6)
Central Sound: Chocan Sound (Onion Lake, Treaty 6)

Dance and Drum Contests – Big Prize Payouts!

Drummers and dancers will compete for major cash prizes, making this a must-attend event for those who live and breathe the pow wow circuit. Here’s a look at what’s up for grabs:

Drum Contest Payouts

1st Place: $15,000
2nd Place: $12,000
3rd Place: $10,000
4th Place: $8,000
Split Bonus: $3,000

Dance Categories

From the tiniest dancers to the respected elders, there’s a category for everyone:

Tiny Tots (5 & Under) – Paid Daily
Juniors (6-12): Fancy, Jingle, Traditional (Girls) | Fancy, Grass, Traditional, Chicken (Boys)
- 1st – $500 | 2nd – $300 | 3rd – $200
Teens (13-17): Fancy, Jingle, Traditional (Girls) | Fancy, Grass, Traditional, Chicken (Boys)
- 1st – $800 | 2nd – $600 | 3rd – $400 | 4th – $200
Junior Adults (18-39) & Senior Adults (40-54)
- Men’s Fancy, Grass, Traditional, Chicken & Ladies Fancy, Jingle, Traditional
- 1st – $1000 | 2nd – $800 | 3rd – $600 | 4th – $400
Golden Age (55+)
- Men’s and Women’s categories combined
- 1st – $1000 | 2nd – $800 | 3rd – $600 | 4th – $400

Grand Entry Times

Be sure to catch the spectacular Grand Entry, where all dancers and dignitaries make their way into the arena in full regalia at the Powwow:

Friday: 8:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM

Other Exciting Events & Features

Beyond the contests, the pow wow will also feature specials, vendor booths, and a Princess Pageant. Expect delicious food, handmade crafts, and a celebration of Indigenous excellence throughout the weekend!

Things to Do in Loon Lake, SK

If you’re visiting the area for the pow wow, check out these nearby attractions:

Makwa Lake Provincial Park – Perfect for camping, hiking, and enjoying nature.
Loon Lake Golf Course – A great place to unwind between pow wow sessions.
Local Indigenous Artisans – Support Native artists by visiting craft and jewelry vendors.

Where to Stay?

There are several options for accommodations near Loon Lake, including hotels and motels in Meadow Lake, as well as campgrounds for those who prefer to stay close to nature.

Join the Celebration!

Whether you’re a dancer, drummer, or spectator, the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Pow Wow is an event you don’t want to miss! Come out and experience the heartbeat of the drum, the beauty of the regalia, and the power of Indigenous traditions.

Mark your calendars for May 16-18, 2025, and we’ll see you there!