Squamish Nation Powwow

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

Organizers billed the 2023 event as the First Annual Memorial Squamish Nation Youth Pow Wow, which took place in mid-July. It wasn’t the first annual Squamish Youth Pow Wow, however, just the first annual “Memorial” one. In 2025 the event happened on the weekend of July 11th to 13th. It will likely happen around the same time in 2026, with details to be confirmed.

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 Squamish Nation created the new pow wow to honour 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 $20 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+ enter for free.

When and Where is the Pow Wow

In 2025 the pow wow ran in July on the Friday from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm, on the Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, and on the Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 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 people 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.

On the Friday, the Grand Entry begins at 7:00 pm and features a dance competition and the first round of the drum competition. On Saturday, there’s one hour of morning yoga at 9:00 am, followed by more dance competitions and the second round of the drum competition at 1:00 pm. There’s a break for dinner before all festivities continue at 7:00 pm. Sunday’s final competitions and other activities run between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

In addition to the entertainment, there is a market featuring over 100 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 $800. The top drummer, however, will walk away with $20,000. 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 food. 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 permission, and be respectful and understanding if they do not wish 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.

See the Squamish Nation website for more information about this First Nation group.