The grounds of Casino Rama hummed with life this weekend as hundreds gathered for the annual Rama Powwow, a celebration of Indigenous heritage that has become one of the most anticipated cultural events in Simcoe County.
Under clear summer skies, dancers in vibrant regalia moved in rhythm with the powerful drumbeats that echoed across the powwow grounds. The event, hosted by Rama First Nation, drew participants and spectators from across Ontario and beyond, creating a living tapestry of Indigenous traditions, art, and community connection.
“This is where we come to remember who we are,” explained Elder Joseph Sylvester, who has attended the powwow for more than four decades. “Every dance step, every drum beat—it’s our way of honoring ancestors while showing our children the path forward.”
The two-day gathering featured traditional and competitive dancing across multiple categories, with performers ranging from young children taking their first steps in regalia to seasoned dancers whose movements told stories passed down through generations.
The Grand Entry, a ceremonial procession marking the official start of the powwow, showcased flags, eagle staffs, and dancers of all ages entering the sacred circle to thunderous applause. Spectators lined the grounds, many capturing the moment on their phones while others simply absorbed the power of the tradition unfolding before them.
“What makes Rama’s powwow special is how it bridges understanding,” said Chief Ted Williams of Rama First Nation. “Yes, it’s a celebration of our culture, but it’s also an invitation to learn. When non-Indigenous visitors come with open hearts, real reconciliation happens person-to-person.”
The heart of any powwow is its drum groups, and this year’s event featured several renowned singing groups including local favorite Spirit Wind alongside visiting drums from across the province. Their songs—some centuries old, others contemporary compositions—provided the spiritual and physical rhythm for dancers and spectators alike.
Beyond the dancing circle, the powwow grounds buzzed with activity as vendors displayed intricate beadwork, quillwork, handcrafted moccasins, and other traditional arts. The aroma of traditional foods like bannock, corn soup, and wild rice dishes wafted through the air, drawing long lines of hungry attendees.
For many Indigenous families, powwows serve as crucial gatherings for maintaining community bonds and passing cultural knowledge to younger generations. Eight-year-old Maya Simcoe proudly showed off her jingle dress, explaining that each of the 365 metal cones represents a prayer for healing.
“My kookum (grandmother) helped me make it,” she said, her face lighting up. “When I dance, I can feel my ancestors dancing with me.”
Local residents Mark and Sarah Thompson brought their children to experience the powwow for the first time. “We’ve lived in Bradford for fifteen years but never attended before,” Mark admitted. “After all the conversations about reconciliation these past few years, we felt it was important to learn firsthand about Indigenous cultures rather than just reading about them.”
The educational aspect of the powwow was evident throughout the weekend, with emcees explaining the significance of different dance styles, songs, and protocols to visitors. Many attendees expressed appreciation for these insights into traditions that have sustained First Nations communities despite centuries of attempted cultural suppression.
Tourism officials note that events like the Rama Powwow have grown in attendance in recent years, reflecting increased interest in Indigenous tourism experiences. According to Indigenous Tourism Ontario, cultural events generated approximately $622 million in economic activity across the province last year.
“What visitors witness here isn’t a performance—it’s living culture,” explained Jessica Kimewon, who coordinates cultural programming at Rama. “These songs and dances have survived residential schools, the banning of our ceremonies, and generations of trying to disconnect us from who we are. When you see us celebrate today, you’re seeing resilience in action.”
As the sun set on Sunday evening, the final Honor Song brought dancers and spectators together in a moving closing ceremony. Children danced alongside elders, embodying the powwow’s role in connecting past, present and future generations.
For Rama First Nation, the annual powwow represents more than a cultural showcase—it’s a testament to community strength and a celebration of identity that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition.
“We don’t just do this to remember how things were,” reflected Chief Williams as the grounds gradually emptied. “We do this to show how our culture lives and breathes today. Each year, the circle grows stronger.”
The Rama Powwow will return next summer, continuing a tradition that has become an essential thread in the cultural fabric of the region.
