Trailblazing winter Pow wow will promote reconciliation and unity
By: Maryssa McFadden
Date: October 20, 2025
Source: Portage Online
A first-of-its-kind event is coming to Portage la Prairie this winter, and organizers say it’s about unity, culture, and community.
The Prairie Unity Pow Wow will take place in December at Stride Place, bringing together Long Plain First Nation, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation, and the City of Portage la Prairie in a historic collaboration. The three communities have joined forces to host the winter event, both to celebrate Indigenous culture and to strengthen relationships between neighbours.
The idea began almost by chance.
“As part of a city meeting last December, Chief Smoke had asked for an arbor to be built in the city of Portage,” says Ralph Francis, of Long Plain First Nation and a member of the Prairie Unity Pow Wow Committee. “On the drive home, I called Chief Smoke and mentioned that maybe we could host something like this in the city if the city would help us out.”
Originally envisioned as a music festival, the idea soon evolved into a Pow Wow to align with the winter season. The three-day event will feature dancers and drummers from across Canada, with categories for all ages, from children to Elders, and is completely free and open to the public.
“It’s kind of revolutionary,” explains Joan Smoke, Pow Wow committee member and school administrator. “Indigenous ceremonies were outlawed, up until 1951. That wasn’t that long ago, so for Portage to make this kind of advancement in reconciliation efforts is tremendous. I think it’s going to be a premier event for our town, bringing people from all walks of life together.”
Organizers are preparing online guides, including a ‘Pow Wow 101,’ to help first-time attendees understand the traditions, etiquette, and categories of dance.
Callie McArthur, Tourism and Marketing Coordinator with Portage Regional Economic Development, says the process has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful.
“Being invited to that table and having people share their knowledge of traditions with us has been incredible. I attended my first Pow Wow this year, so learning how to plan one is a huge deal. I’d invite everybody, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to come, learn, and share in this celebration.”
Francis adds that the event is also about strengthening community ties.
“It’s important that we’re good neighbours. When we all learn to work together, it’s never a bad thing. I’ve been pushing for a collaboration like this for years, and to see it finally happening is amazing. We want to see everybody sitting side by side in the stands, watching together.”
As the excitement builds, this partnership represents a new chapter for the region.
“This is a trailblazing event. We’ve been neighbours for generations, and now we’re finally coming together, using our strengths to do something positive,” McArthur notes.
The Prairie Unity Pow Wow will be held December 19 to 21, with updates, schedules, and ‘know before you go’ information available on the event’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together, to do better, and to be better.”
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