stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society welcomes visitors to its second annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow (stalewpowwow.ca). This immersive and inclusive family-friendly cultural experience happens at Langley Events Centre on September 15, 16 and 17, 2023.
stɑl’əw̓, meaning “big river” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, is the name of a celebration that reflects the generosity and deep connections local Indigenous communities feel to what is known today as the Fraser River. The river connects Indigenous communities to one another and to the land they call home.
stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow celebrates Indigenous culture, traditions, music, regalia, and art. At one of the largest pow wow events in the Metro Vancouver area, participants will sing, drum and dance together, immersing themselves in the artistic and cultural traditions that demonstrate the intergenerational and interconnectedness of Indigenous ways of being and knowing.
In Indigenous culture, the drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and the pow wow drum is the heart of the gathering. Drumming, singing, and dancing are all healing practices around which Indigenous communities gather to be of one heart and one mind. The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow welcomes the 2022 Drum Competition Winners, Black Lodge Singers, as this year’s Host Drum Group, alongside Wild River Singers, who return again this year as Honorary Host Drum.
A pow wow wouldn’t be a true pow wow without a vendor’s market that supports Indigenous artists and artisans. Talents drawn from across Canada and the US will display authentic traditional foods, art, jewelry, beading and more for purchase and enjoyment.
Pow wows are Indigenous gatherings and celebrations, traditionally presented by one First Nation to welcome and honour others. The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend, supporting and uplifting one another on the path of reconciliation. Gathering to share the rich Indigenous heritage of the region helps keep traditional ways alive, and creating an inclusive and safe space for everyone to celebrate Indigenous culture builds important and lasting connections in the community.
stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow tickets can be purchased at the door the weekend of, or at the following links:
Single Day Pass: showpass.com/stalew-pow-wow-2023
Weekend Pass: showpass.com/weekend-pass-stalew-pow-wow-2023
The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow is organized by stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society in partnership with the Township of Langley. stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society acknowledge their funders, as well as their cə̓ sqən – Golden Eagle Sponsors: Kwantlen First Nation, Township of Langley, Global BC, United Way British Columbia – Lower Mainland; p̓ɑq̓əs – Eagle Sponsor: BMO Bank; and all of the sponsors of the second annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow.
