Mark your calendars—July 18, 19 & 20, 2025 is about to be a weekend to remember in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Onion Lake Annual Powwow is back, and this year’s lineup is one for the books. From show-stopping dance categories to massive drum contest payouts, you don’t want to miss this celebration of life, culture, and community.

Let’s break down why Onion Lake Powwow 2025 needs to be on your powwow trail this summer.

🥁 Drum Contest with Over $70,000 in Prizes!

If you’re part of a drum group, this powwow is calling your name.

Here’s the payout for the Drumming Contest:

• 🥇 1st Place: $20,000
• 🥈 2nd Place: $15,000
• 🥉 3rd Place: $12,000
• 4th: $10,000
• 5th: $8,000
• 6th: $6,000

This is one of the biggest drum contest prize pools in the region. If you’ve got the beat, this is where you need to be.

🎤 Meet the Voices of the Powwow

Host Drum: BLACK BEAR—You already know it’s going to be FIRE.

MCs Bringing the Hype:

• Juaquin Hamilton
• Jackson Tahuka
• Glen Waskewitch
• Grant Whitstone

These MCs are known for keeping the crowd energized, informed, and involved throughout the powwow weekend.

🕺 Powwow Categories for All Ages

Whether you’re dancing or just here to watch, you’ll be blown away by the talent in every category:

🔥 Men’s Categories:

• Traditional
• Chicken
• Fancy
• Grass

🌸 Women’s Categories:

• Traditional
• Fancy
• Jingle

👵 Golden Age (60+)

💪 Sr. Adults (40-59) / Jr. Adults (18-39)

Prize Breakdown:
$1400, $1200, $1000, $600, $400

🧒 Teen Boys (13–17): Traditional, Chicken, Fancy, Grass

👧 Teen Girls (13–17): Traditional, Fancy, Jingle

Prize Breakdown:
$700, $600, $500, $400, $200

👦 Jr. Boys (6–12): Traditional, Chicken, Fancy, Grass

👧 Jr. Girls (6–12): Traditional, Fancy, Jingle

Prize Breakdown:
$300, $200, $150, $100, $50

🎖️ Veterans, Buckskin, Tiny Tots — Paid daily!

💫 Special Contests & Memorial Dances

The 2025 Onion Lake Powwow is more than just a competition—it’s about honoring traditions and loved ones. Check out these heartfelt specials:

• Honouring for Late Bruce Whitstone
• Brave Yazzie Initiation Tiny Tot Fancy Shawl Special
• Transitioning into Teens: Arden Pathayken–Hoskie Teen Boys Traditional Special
  • 🥇 $1200 🥈 $1000 🥉 $800 4️⃣ $600 5️⃣ $400 + 5 $100 consolations
• Women’s Old Style Fancy – Brent Dillon & Family
• 60+ Men’s All Around Special in memory of Late Charlie Tailfeathers (Sponsored by Lawrence Trottier Jr & Family)
• Alaine Raine Memorial 18+ Women’s Fancy Special

Other specials will be announced soon, so keep your ears open!

🗓 Grand Entry Times

Want to catch the best action? Don’t miss the Grand Entries:

• Friday: 7 PM
• Saturday: 1 PM & 7 PM
• Sunday: 1 PM

🏕️ Where to Stay Near Onion Lake, SK

While there’s often on-site camping at powwows, if you’re looking for a hotel or motel, here are some nearby options:

In Lloydminster, AB/SK (about 30 mins away):

• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
• Best Western Plus Meridian
• Royal Hotel Lloydminster
• Super 8 by Wyndham

📍 Tip: Book early—powwow weekends fill up fast!

🍽️ Local Eats You Gotta Try

Check out these tasty spots while you’re in the area:

• Tony’s Pizza & Donair (Lloydminster) – Huge slices and great prices!
• Spice Hut Indian Cuisine – Perfect for a flavorful powwow meal.
• Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar – Casual, filling, and fun after a long day of dancing.

And of course, don’t skip the powwow grounds for traditional food—Indian tacos, bannock burgers, and berry soup are a must!

🛍️ Support Indigenous Businesses

While you’re there, be sure to visit local Native vendors selling:

• Handmade beadwork
• Ribbon skirts & shirts
• Sweetgrass, sage & other medicines
• Powwow regalia & accessories

You’ll find gifts, gear, and sacred items that you can’t get anywhere else.

🛑 Important Notes

🔸 RCMP & Security on Site
🔸 No Drugs or Alcohol Allowed
🔸 Security will confiscate items like golf clubs, bats, and weapons.

🛡️ The committee is not responsible for theft, travel, or injury—so come prepared, come safe, and come ready to celebrate.

📞 Contact Information

Need more info? Here’s who to reach out to:

• Howard Whitstone – 306-344-7419
• Rhonda Whitstone – 306-344-1334
• Brent Dillon (Specials) – 306-344-7029
• Audrey Whitstone (Drumming) – 306-307-7171
• Concessions – Audrey – 306-344-7419
• Vendors – Melissa – 306-344-7266
• Hands – Tara – 306-344-7311
• Grand Entry – Thomas – 306-344-7831
• General Info – 639-343-7484

📣 See You at Onion Lake Powwow 2025!

Whether you’re coming to dance, drum, or simply soak in the spirit, the Onion Lake Annual Powwow is a celebration of life, love, and legacy. From the stunning regalia to the powerful heartbeat of the drums, this is one summer gathering that unites us all.

📍 July 18–20, 2025
🎪 Onion Lake, SK, Canada

💬 Tag your powwow crew and start planning the road trip!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Onion Lake, SK

📍 Where is Onion Lake, Saskatchewan?

Onion Lake Cree Nation is located on the border of Saskatchewan and Alberta, about 30 minutes north of Lloydminster. It’s a Cree community with a strong cultural foundation, known for hosting one of the most respected powwows in Western Canada.

🛣️ How do I get to Onion Lake?

Most travelers head to Onion Lake by car. Here are estimated drive times from nearby cities:

• Lloydminster, AB/SK: 30–40 minutes
• Edmonton, AB: ~3.5 hours
• Saskatoon, SK: ~3.5 hours
• Regina, SK: ~6 hours

Directions Tip: If using Google Maps, search “Onion Lake Cree Nation Powwow Grounds” or contact the numbers listed in the powwow flyer for specific directions.

🏕️ Can I camp at the powwow grounds?

Yes! Many visitors choose to camp on-site during the powwow weekend. Bring your own tent or RV and be ready for an awesome cultural experience under the stars. Arrive early to claim a good spot, especially if you need shade or proximity to the arena.

🏨 Are there hotels nearby?

Yes, the closest hotels are in Lloydminster, which is the nearest city with full amenities. Some top picks include:

• Holiday Inn & Suites Lloydminster
• Best Western Plus Meridian
• Royal Hotel
• Super 8 by Wyndham

Book early—hotels tend to fill up during powwow weekends.

🍽️ What kind of food will be available?

Expect a delicious mix of:

• Traditional Indigenous foods like bannock burgers, Indian tacos, and berry soup
• Powwow-style concessions with burgers, fries, and lemonade
• Food trucks (depending on the year and vendors)

Plus, if you’re driving into Lloydminster, you’ll find everything from pizza to sushi to hearty sit-down spots.

🛍️ Will there be vendors?

Absolutely. The powwow grounds usually host a variety of Indigenous vendors offering:

• Handmade beadwork and jewelry
• Ribbon skirts, shirts, and powwow regalia
• Medicines like sage and sweetgrass
• Local art, crafts, and cultural books

It’s a great way to support Native-owned businesses and take home a meaningful souvenir.

👪 Is this powwow family-friendly?

Yes! The Onion Lake Powwow is a family-focused, drug-and-alcohol-free event. With categories like Tiny Tots, Youth, and Veterans, it’s meant to include all ages. Just make sure to bring:

• Sun protection (hats, sunscreen, etc.)
• Lawn chairs or blankets
• Water bottles and snacks

💰 Is there an entry fee?

Most powwows do not charge admission, and this one is typically free to attend. However, be prepared to support vendors, concessions, and raffles as a way to contribute to the community.

📵 Is there cell service and Wi-Fi?

Cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier, especially if you’re camping. Don’t count on strong Wi-Fi at the powwow grounds—so plan to unplug and soak in the experience.

🧭 What’s unique about Onion Lake Cree Nation?

• It’s one of the few biprovincial First Nations, meaning it crosses over the Saskatchewan and Alberta border.
• The community speaks Plains Cree (nêhiyawêwin) and actively preserves traditional teachings, ceremonies, and language.
• Onion Lake is home to the Kihew Waciston Cree Immersion School, showing strong commitment to cultural education.