The annual Pow Wow at McGill, usually held on the downtown campus, will take place for the first time at Watson Field, nestled between McGill’s Macdonald Campus and John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
More than a change of venue, this move for the Pow Wow’s 24th edition marks an important collaboration between the two institutions – one that emphasizes core Indigenous values of community, shared knowledge and respect for land and tradition.
For Celeste Pedri-Spade, Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives) at McGill, this shift is both symbolic and deeply meaningful.
“Pow Wow is about connection and building community,” she said. “It’s a cultural tradition recognized by Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, rooted in honouring people, space, land and community.”
Pedri-Spade sees the partnership with John Abbott as a natural extension of this philosophy.
“Relationality and collaboration are principles central to many Indigenous cultures. Working alongside the team at John Abbott is such an honour,” she said. “This is a shared space that opens the door for community members who may never have had the chance to engage with McGill or John Abbott before.”
Brittanny Janvier, Director, Indigenous Initiatives, and a member of the organizing committee, expressed a similar sentiment.
“This year marks a turning point. For the first time, we’re coming together across institutions to create something that feels both grounded in tradition and open to new possibilities. It’s a powerful reminder that Indigenous culture is living, evolving and deeply connected to community.”
Traditional Pow Wow format
The Pow Wow, to be held Sept. 19, will embrace a more traditional format this year, distinct from the more performance-focused ones typically seen in previous years.
“A traditional Pow Wow is more of a competition,” said Kim Tekakwitha Martin, Dean of Indigenous Education, Transition Programs and Criminology Intervention at John Abbott College “There will be different dance categories, prizes and an authentic Grand Entry with an Elder-led opening. It’s a way for non-Indigenous people to experience what a real Pow Wow feels like.”
Martin emphasized that moving the Pow Wow to the West Island makes it inclusive and accessible.
“There’s more parking and we’re closer to schools and communities who might not have been able to attend in the past,” she said. “We’re also inviting students from Kahnawà:ke, Kanehsatà:ke, and local schools, and we’ve reached out to the STM for additional bus service that day.”
There will also be a free shuttle bus service to and from Downtown Campus to the Pow wow grounds on the day of the event.
Keeping it green
The collaboration extends beyond event logistics. Students from John Abbott’s Police Technology and Paramedic programs will assist during the event, working with McGill security and St. John Ambulance. Both schools are also bringing in their sustainability offices to ensure the event honours the land it takes place on.
“You can’t have an Indigenous event and not think about the impact on the land,” said Martin. “At John Abbott, our Green Team is amazing – students and faculty who help manage waste, compost and recycling. They’ll work alongside McGill’s sustainability staff to make sure we do this right.”
Beyond the dancing and drumming, the Pow Wow will feature vendors selling Indigenous art, jewelry, candles, beauty products and traditional food, some coming from urban areas, others from nearby communities.
Supporting Indigenous students
The real impact of Pow Wow goes far beyond the day itself.
“This Pow Wow is about supporting Indigenous students said Pedri-Spade. “We often forget how isolating it can be to come from a remote or far away community to attend school, not knowing anyone. Events like this build networks. They build community.”
Martin echoes this, pointing out how important it is to create these connections.
“Maybe a student comes to John Abbott and later enrols at McGill. If they’ve already connected through events like this, they’re walking into a new space with community already in place. That’s powerful.”
Janvier adds that the Pow Wow has the potential to leave lasting impressions beyond the immediate celebration:.“It’s the first time we’ve done something like this, bringing two institutions together, opening the space wider and inviting more voices in. It’s a reflection of Indigenous leadership and a commitment to doing things differently, with intention and care.”
Fruitful partnership
The two institutions already collaborate on several educational initiatives, including a specific pathway for Indigenous candidates applying to the DENT-P preparatory program in McGill’s Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, and its Branches outreach program, which fosters mentorship and academic support for underrepresented youth. These partnerships, Martin said, are proof that when institutions work together, everyone benefits.
“Indigenous people have always built things together, shared space and knowledge,” she said. “This Pow Wow highlights that. It’s not just about celebrating culture, it’s about celebrating collaboration, resilience and the relationships we’ve built.”
As Pedri-Spade noted: “Change can be hard, but it brings opportunity. This is a chance for us to reimagine how universities and colleges work together in support of Indigenous people and their respective communities. That’s something worth celebrating.”