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Stalew Pow Wow Indigenous Celebration

Stalew Pow Wow

The Stalew Pow Wow is a celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions. Held at the Langley Events Centre, it’s one of the largest events of its kind in BC.

In 2024 the event happens on September 13th to 15th.

 

BC Sports Hall of Fame Indigenous Sport Gallery

 


This article contains the following information about the Stalew Pow Wow:

Location & Admission | What to Expect | Schedule of Events | Other Information


 

Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow in Langley

The Stalew Pow Wow had its first celebration in 2022. The cultural event returned in 2023 and is back again in 2024. It takes place on the weekend of September 13th to 15th this year. Everyone is welcome to attend and experience Indigenous culture in a fun and interactive way.

This pow wow began as a jointly-hosted event by the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui Nations. There is a big focus on community at the pow wow with Indigenous dancers and drummers from across the Fraser Valley and surrounding area signing up to compete in various categories.

There are also other ceremonies taking place at the event like an honouring of residential school survivors ahead of Orange Shirt Day. In 2024 the pow wow runs from 5:00 to 9:30 pm on the Friday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on the Saturday, and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on the Sunday.

The Stalew Pow Wow is hosted by the stɑl̓əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society. The same organization had a Special Event at Fort Langley on June 15th in 2024 in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month.

 

Stalew Pow Wow Participant

 

Location & Admission

The Stalew Pow Wow takes place at the Langley Events Centre (LEC) at 7888 200th Street in Langley. Parking is free in the lots surrounding the LEC. The stadium is just a few minutes away from Highway #1.

In 2024 a single-day pass costs $10 for everyone ages 6 and up. A pass for the full weekend costs $20. Admission is free to everyone who signs up to participate in one of the event’s competitions.

 

Stalew Pow Wow at Langley Events Centre

 

What to Expect

The Stalew Pow Wow takes place indoors in the main LEC stadium. The dancing and drumming happen on the floor in the middle of the stadium (where basketball and hockey is normally played). Spectators can sit in the stands and take in the performances.

A big part of the pow wow is the different competitions that take place with cash prizes for the winners! The biggest prize in 2024 goes to the winning team in the drumming competition who take home $3,500! There is also a pageant as well as a number of different dance competition categories separated by age group. The dance and pageant grand prizes are more in the $500 range.

As well, there are vendors at the event who sell traditional food, jewelry, art and more. Each of the three days of the pow wow begin with an opening prayer and song as well as a welcome from a chief from one of the host nations.

 

Indigenous Market at Stalew Pow Wow

 

2024 Schedule of Events

Below is the schedule for the 2024 pow wow.

 

Friday, September 13th, 2024

  • 5:00 pm – Doors Open
  • 6:45 pm – Drum Roll Call
  • 7:00 pm – Grand Entry and Traditional Welcome
  • 7:30 pm – Competitions
  • 9:30 pm – Registration Closes

 

Stalew Pow Wow Participants

 

Saturday, September 14th, 2024

  • 11:00 am – Doors Open
  • 12:45 pm – Drum Roll Call
  • 1:00 pm – Grand Entry and Opening Ceremonies
  • 1:30 pm – Red Dress Special
  • 2:00 pm – Competitions and Drum Contest Begin
  • 5:00 pm – Dinner Break
  • 7:00 pm – Grand Entry
  • 7:30 pm – Orange Shirt Special
  • 8:00 pm – Competitions Continue
  • 10:00 pm – Closing of Colours

 

Sunday, September 15th, 2024

  • 10:00 am – Doors Open
  • 11:00 am – Stalew Pow Wow Pageant
  • 12:30 pm – Drum Roll Call
  • 1:00 pm – Grand Entry
  • 1:30 pm – Competitions and Drum Contest
  • 4:00 pm – Crowning for Stalew Pow Wow Pageant
  • 4:30 pm – Committee/Volunteer Honouring
  • 5:30 pm – Closing of Colours
  • 6:00 pm – Payouts to Champions

 

Indigenous Elder at Stalew Pow Wow

 

Other Information

For more information about the event, visit the Stalew Pow Wow website.

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