Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of life have changed. From mask mandates and public gathering limitations to economic consequences, Indigenous ceremonies are no exception.

Pow-wows are a celebration of Indigenous culture where people come together to dance, sing, pray, and honour traditions. 

In 2019, there were approximately 25 pow-wows in Saskatchewan, following the “pow-wow trail” along many First Nations communities. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, pow-wows were forced to follow provincial public health guidelines, as a result, many pow-wows were cancelled. 

In response to pow-wows being cancelled, virtual Social Distance pow-wows were popping up all over social media. Indigenous people from across Turtle Island were posting photos of their beadwork and regalia, and videos of them dancing and singing. 

Local jingle dress dancer from Pasqua First Nation, Reighlene Poitras, said “I think it’s cool. I personally haven’t posted any videos of my joining any virtual competitions, but I think it’s so beautiful how natives will always find a way to do ceremony. Even if it’s virtual.”

Frequent pow-wow attendee, Shayla Sayer-Brabant is missing the sense of community that pow-wows provide. 

“It’s not the same as reconnecting in person but it’s definitely been cathartic in its own way. In my opinion, the transition to virtual powwows and competitions is proof of how resilient and adaptive Indigenous people continue to be,” Sayer-Brabant said. “Although the pandemic and today’s restrictions are very different from the time when our ancestors were outlawed for gathering and practicing their cultural traditions, seeing Indigenous people continue to adapt and embrace culture is proof of that ancestral resiliency and pride.”

While Social Distance Pow-wows continued to bring people together in celebration, many aspects of in-person pow-wows were missed.

“I’m missing that sense of excitement and anticipation when you first drive into the powwow grounds and you can hear the sound of the drums and you see the food trucks for bannock burgers and see the dancers in their regalia,” Sayer-Brabant said. “I’m especially missing being surrounded by other Indigenous families and hearing the sounds of aunties laughing, babies crying, and the tiny tots giggling on their way to get candy or whatever else their little hearts desire. Just that sense of community, kinship, and ancestral pride.”

Pow-wow singers and brothers Lloyd Ewenin and Phillip Ewenin have faced difficulties in attending pow-wows during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to health and safety concerns. 

“It is hard to travel because we have to be fully vaccinated. It has become scary to go to pow-wows because of COVID.” Phillip said. “I miss visiting and singing with amazing people in powwow country.”

Lloyd Ewenin has also faced barriers in attending in-person pow-wows. “I haven’t really put myself out there to see how pow-wows have changed,” Ewenin said. “That’s due to COVID restrictions, and the travel restrictions in some parts.”

With vaccinations becoming the norm, communities are anticipating the pow-wow season to be back to normal in summer 2022.