Ads
Description
Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow 2026 in West Vancouver
Experience Indigenous Culture at the 4th Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow
Celebrate Indigenous culture, tradition, and community at the 4th Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow, taking place July 10–12, 2026, at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre (X̱wemelch'stn Village) in West Vancouver. This three-day cultural celebration welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to experience traditional dance competitions, drumming, Indigenous arts, authentic food, and family-friendly activities.
Held in loving memory of Tenalh-t (Gloria "Honeygirl" Nahanee), the Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow focuses on uplifting youth while promoting education, healing, cultural pride, and community through Indigenous traditions. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn about the rich heritage of the Squamish Nation and Indigenous Peoples from across North America.
Event Details
Dates: July 10–12, 2026
Venue: Chief Joe Mathias Centre (X̱wemelch'stn Village)
Address: 100 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3P6
Admission:
- $15 Single-Day Pass
- $20 Weekend Pass
- Free admission for Elders (65+) and children 12 & under
Event Highlights
- Grand Entry ceremonies
- Indigenous dance competitions
- Drum contest with invited drum groups
- Traditional Indigenous singing and drumming
- Over 100 Indigenous vendors and artisans
- Traditional Indigenous food
- Family-friendly cultural activities
- Youth-focused cultural celebration
- Special guest performances
- Educational and cultural experiences
Grand Entry Schedule
Friday, July 10
- Grand Entry: 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 11
- Grand Entry: 1:00 PM
- Evening Grand Entry: 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 12
- Grand Entry: 1:00 PM
Featured Guests
- Special Guest: Fawn Wood (Juno Award-winning artist)
- Host Drum: Cree Confederation
- Head Drum & Singing Judge: Dallas Waskahat
- Masters of Ceremonies:
- Mike Sanchez (Ktunaxa Nation)
- Hal Eagletail (Northern Dene & Tsuu T'ina Nation)
Drum Contest
Some of the invited drum groups include:
- Sharpshooter
- Blackstone
- Chinicke Lake
- Blacklodge
The Drum Contest features cash prizes totaling more than $37,000, with first place receiving $20,000.
Dance Competition Categories
Competition categories include:
- Juniors
- Teens
- Adults
- Golden Age
Cash prizes will be awarded across all divisions.
Vendors and Food
Visitors can explore more than 100 vendor booths featuring:
- Indigenous artwork
- Handmade crafts
- Jewelry
- Apparel
- Cultural items
- Traditional foods
- Food trucks
- Community organizations
Visitor Information
- Family-friendly event
- All cultures and communities are welcome
- Alcohol and drug-free event
- No gang colours or attire permitted
- No smoking or vaping inside the Pow-Wow grounds
- Service animals only
Why You Should Attend
The Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow is one of British Columbia's premier Indigenous cultural events, bringing together dancers, drummers, artists, elders, youth, and visitors for a weekend of celebration and learning. Whether you're experiencing a Pow-Wow for the first time or returning each year, this welcoming event offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Indigenous traditions, support local artisans, and celebrate the strength of community.
Event Information
Event: 4th Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Pow-Wow 2026
Dates: July 10–12, 2026
Venue: Chief Joe Mathias Centre (X̱wemelch'stn Village)
Address: 100 Capilano Road, West Vancouver, BC V7P 3P6
Admission: $15/day | $20 weekend pass | Free for Elders (65+) and children 12 & under