- Definition
A powwow is a special gathering for Indigenous peoples that involves singing, dancing, and ceremonies to celebrate their culture and traditions.
At a powwow, you might see dancers in beautiful regalia moving to the beat of a large drum played by a group of singers.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A powwow is like a big, colourful festival for the community, filled with special music, dancing, and stories.
Ask your child: What sounds and colours do you imagine at a powwow?
Common mix-up: Kids may think a powwow is just a show or a party. A powwow is a special gathering that celebrates community, spirit, and culture through dance and song.
Examples
- Families gather to share food, visit with friends and relatives, and celebrate their heritage.
- There are different styles of dance, like the Jingle Dress dance or the Grass Dance, each with its own story and meaning.
powwow is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
