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.

Note: This event is hosted by the stɑl̓əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society. The same organization has a Special Event at Fort Langley on June 15th in 2024 where admission is free.

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.

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.

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.