Thousands of people attended the annual Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow at the Ohsweken Speedway on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Hosted by First Nations communities, powwows are social celebrations showcasing centuries worth of diverse Indigenous cultures with both pride and respect.
This year, around 400 men and women from across North America participated in the weekend-long competition. Dancers of all ages, including golden age, seniors, juniors, teens, kids and tiny tots, all had the opportunity to proudly celebrate their culture.
Around seven drum groups were also participating in the powwow including Southern Cree, this year’s host drum.
While the tiny tots participated in exhibition dances throughout the event, participants aged six and up took part in a variety of dance competitions.
“We’ve got all sorts of Native dancing and singing competitions going on this weekend.,” said Charlene Bomberry, Champion of Champions Powwow committee member. “It’s open to all ages, and there’s various dance styles, like traditional, fancy, jingle dress, and grass styles, as well as smoke dance, which is more specific to the Six Nations Haudenosaunee.”
The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a round dance and Haudenosaunee social, while Saturday and Sunday’s schedules featured a full schedule of activities, including the crowning of the Champion of Champions winners on the final day.
In addition to the competitions, three Grand Entry ceremonies were held throughout the weekend.
During each session Head Veteran Warrant Officer Jeffrey Plain led the way, carrying in the Eagle Staff alongside the Six Nations Veterans Association and Colour Guards. Smoke dance participants followed closely behind, with the rest of the powwow and head dancers joining shortly after.
Before the different competitions officially got underway, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous spectators were also invited to take part in the intertribals, encouraging everyone to leave their seats and dance together.
Outside of the arena, guests and participants alike also took the opportunity to shop from the roughly 100 food and crafts vendors, or stop by one of the information booths.
Many indulged in everything from freshly squeezed lemonade and strawberry juice to fry bread tacos, burgers, sweet treats and more.
While the big event, which has been running for over four decades, takes months of planning and the work of a whole host of volunteers to put on, Bomberry said it’s worth it every year.
“It’s always so good to welcome everyone back and it’s great seeing everybody again,” she said. “We know a lot of the dancers and we’re friends with everybody, but it’s nice to see so many new dancers this year too. I think that’s my favourite part, just seeing everybody here again.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
