As I step into Olympic Plaza on a crisp September morning, the heartbeat of drums echoes between downtown Calgary’s glass towers. It’s the third annual Downtown Indigenous Powwow, an event that has grown from a community gathering into something much more significant for this city.
“We wanted to bring our traditions right to the heart of downtown,” explains Siksika Nation Elder Clarence Wolfleg, watching dancers in vibrant regalia prepare for the Grand Entry. “This isn’t about performing for others—it’s about inviting everyone to understand who we are.”
The powwow, organized by the Treaty 7 Urban Indigenous Coalition in partnership with the City of Calgary, has drawn nearly 3,000 attendees this year—roughly double last year’s turnout. What began as a pandemic recovery initiative has evolved into a vital cultural bridge.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, attending her third consecutive powwow, tells me this event represents more than cultural celebration. “Calgary sits on traditional Treaty 7 territory. This powwow reminds us that reconciliation isn’t just about acknowledging the past—it’s about creating shared spaces for the future.”
The plaza transformation is remarkable. Food vendors offer traditional cuisine like bannock and bison stew alongside contemporary Indigenous fusion dishes. Market stalls feature handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and clothing from Indigenous artisans across Alberta. The centerpiece remains the dancing circle, where competitors from ages 5 to 85 participate in categories including traditional, fancy, jingle dress, and grass dancing.
According to Statistics Canada’s 2024 demographic report, Calgary’s Indigenous population has grown 23% since 2016, now representing approximately 3.8% of city residents. Yet public awareness of Indigenous traditions remains limited.
“Many Calgarians have never experienced a powwow firsthand,” says Tsuut’ina Nation member and event coordinator Janine Eagle Child. “By bringing this celebration downtown rather than hosting it on reserve land, we’re removing barriers to participation. The location matters—it says Indigenous culture belongs everywhere, including the urban core.”
The economic impact is substantial. A City of Calgary economic assessment estimates the three-day event will generate approximately $1.2 million in local spending, with downtown hotels reporting a 15% occupancy increase during the powwow weekend.
Beyond numbers, the human connections formed here matter most. I watch as 8-year-old Lily Chen from the community of Beltline tentatively approaches a group of young jingle dress dancers. Within minutes, they’re teaching her basic steps, her nervous smile blossoming into laughter.
“I never knew what a powwow was before today,” her mother Jennifer tells me. “Now my daughter is asking when we can come back tomorrow.”
For Indigenous youth, the event offers something equally valuable—pride. Sixteen-year-old grass dancer Keegan Fox from Kainai Nation performs in his first major urban powwow today. “Dancing downtown hits different,” he says, adjusting his regalia. “My grandparents couldn’t do this when they were my age. They had to hide their ceremonies. Now I’m dancing where everyone can see us.”
Not everything about the powwow is traditional. This year features an innovative “fusion showcase” where Indigenous hip-hop artists and electronic music producers incorporate powwow vocals and drumming into contemporary performances. The experimental approach has drawn younger urban Indigenous attendees while honoring traditional elements.
“Culture isn’t static,” explains DJ and producer Brent Clearsky, who performed yesterday. “Our ancestors were innovators too. They would recognize what we’re doing—taking the core of who we are and finding new ways to express it.”
The powwow has faced challenges. Early morning rain threatened to dampen participation, and last year’s event weathered criticism from some traditional knowledge keepers concerned about ceremonial protocols in public spaces. Organizers responded by consulting widely with elders across Treaty 7 nations before planning this year’s gathering.
“We’ve worked hard to balance accessibility with respect,” says cultural advisor Harold Healy from the Blood Tribe. “Not everything sacred can or should be shared publicly, but there’s so much we can celebrate together.”
As afternoon sun breaks through clouds, I notice something remarkable about the crowd—its diversity. Families from Calgary’s various cultural communities mingle with Indigenous attendees. Conversations flow between strangers who might never have interacted otherwise.
Provincial Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson, observing from the sidelines, notes the gathering’s significance extends beyond cultural celebration. “Events like this help counter stereotypes and misunderstandings. They create relationships that matter when we’re tackling tough issues like economic development or social policy.”
The powwow’s presence in the heart of Calgary’s business district sends its own message. Several energy companies and banks have sponsored the event, with employees volunteering and participating. Corporate Calgary’s engagement reflects evolving relationships with Indigenous communities.
“Ten years ago, this level of corporate participation would have been unimaginable,” says Treaty 7 Economic Development Director Shauna Jimenez. “Now businesses recognize that respectful partnership with Indigenous communities isn’t just ethical—it’s essential for Alberta’s future.”
As evening approaches and families begin departing, I ask 73-year-old Stoney Nakoda Elder John Snow what he hopes visitors will take from today. He pauses, watching dancers circle the grounds one last time.
“I hope they understand we’re still here,” he says quietly. “Not as relics of the past, but as neighbors with something valuable to share. Maybe some will leave thinking differently about what it means to be Calgarian, to be Albertan. That would be enough.”
The Downtown Indigenous Powwow continues through Sunday with Grand Entry ceremonies at noon daily. Admission remains free, though donations supporting Indigenous youth cultural programs are welcomed.
