Showcasing Indigenous dancing, drumming and First Nations culture, the Squamish Nation Pow Wow takes place in July on the Capilano Reserve in West Vancouver.

It’s an exceptional event, highly recommended and all are welcome.

Squamish Nation Pow Wow in West Vancouver

The event in 2023 was billed as the First Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow and took place from July 14th to 16th. It wasn’t the first annual Squamish Youth Pow Wow, just the first annual “Memorial” one. In 2024 the event happened on the weekend of July 5th to 7th.

The Squamish Youth Nation Pow Wow is a very interesting cultural event. It was scheduled to celebrate its 33rd year in 2020 before being cancelled due to COVID-19. The event didn’t happen in 2021 or 2022 either. The new pow wow is a memorial event in honor of Squamish elder Gloria Nahanee who died in 2022 and was also known as Tenàlh-t or “Honey Girl.”

At the event there are dancing competitions as well as drumming and singing. There is also a vendor market and salmon BBQ. Admission is about $12 per person per day including online fees. For an extra $5 you can purchase a weekend pass. Children under 12 years of age and seniors ages 65+ are free.

When and Where is the Pow Wow

The pow wow starts with a Grand Entry on the Friday at 6:00 pm, on the Saturday at both 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and on the Sunday at 12:00 pm.

The event takes place at Capilano Reserve Park at 100 Capilano Road in West Vancouver. The reserve itself stretches from North Vancouver to West Vancouver and the park is right at the edge of the two municipalities (and on the North Vancouver side of the Lions Gate Bridge, not what people ordinarily think of as the West Vancouver side).

If driving and coming from downtown Vancouver, go along West Georgia Street, across the Lions Gate Bridge and then keep right towards North Vancouver. Don’t follow the signs to West Vancouver. You’ll be heading in the wrong direction if you do that.

Head east along Marine Drive and turn right at Lower Capilano Road which is at the first light. Mathias Road is immediately on your right and Capilano Reserve Park is at the end of Mathias. (Note: If you miss the turnoff to Mathias Road just keep going down Lower Capilano Road. Capilano Reserve Park is bordered by Lower Capilano Road, Mathias Road and Welch Road.)

What to Expect at the Pow Wow

At the Squamish Youth Nation Pow Wow you can expect to see local Indigenous folks in beautiful traditional clothing and regalia as well as First Nations of all ages dancing in the competitions. There is drumming, singing and lots of merriment. Several thousand people of all backgrounds attend the event in years with good weather.

In addition to the performances, there is a market featuring over 48 vendors selling everything from T-shirts and scarves with Indigenous prints to dream catchers, wood carvings and other First Nations art. It’s an interesting and impressive market.

At the pow wow you’ll see fancy shawl dances, hoop dances and other traditional dances. Prize money for the various competitions ranges from $50 up to around $300. The top drummer, however, will walk away with $10,000! Competitors come from all over.

Expect to learn about First Nations culture at the event and to be entertained. Also expect to feel welcomed and have a good time.

Tips & Advice

Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your pow wow experience.

TIP #1: Go to this event if you want to experience authentic Indigenous culture! It’s highly recommended.

TIP #2: Try the salmon barbecue. It’s delicious!

TIP #3: Go with a group of friends and carpool if you can. There is a fair bit of parking, but it’s also a popular event.

TIP #4: It can get hot in July and there isn’t a lot of shade at the park. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle. You might also want to take a blanket or chair to sit on.

TIP #5: There are certain times when photography isn’t permitted. It is most of the time, but not at some points during the grand openings. Listen to the announcer for details about when you can’t use your camera. Also, if taking a photo of someone who isn’t dancing and in the middle of a competition, be courteous and ask for a permission, and be respectful and understanding if they wish not to be photographed.

About the Squamish Nation

The Squamish Nation is a Coast Salish Nation whose traditional unceded territory includes North Vancouver and West Vancouver, plus lots of other territory in the Lower Mainland. The Nation’s population of approximately 3,600 members is spread out between North Vancouver and Howe Sound with over 60% living on reserve.

For more information about this First Nation group, see the Squamish Nation website.