SIX NATIONS — The Grand River ‘Champion of Champions’ Pow Wow returns this year after a two-year pandemic hiatus — with some important notable changes for visitors who may be wishing to come to the event.
This year, the pow wow has moved to the Ohsweken Speedway, located on Chiefswood Road in the heart of Six Nations. The new venue opens a greater space for the event which has grown from its humble roots along the Grand River in the 1980s to one of the largest outdoor events in the entire province of Ontario.
In April 2020, due to the COVID pandemic the powwow committee announced they were cancelling the event.
“In light of the COVID-19 crisis throughout the world and in the best interest and safety for our community, dedicated participants and visitors, the Grand River ‘Champion of Champions’ Pow Wow scheduled for July 24-26, 2020 is cancelled,” reads the announcement made to Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone! And we thank you for your continued support. Nya weh! (thank you) to those out on the frontlines that are busy keeping all of us safe — doctors, nurses, first responders, store clerks and workers, trucks drivers and all others. Please help them to help us — stay home!”
The committee initially hoped to bring the powwow back for the 2021 season but pandemic restrictions across much of Turtle Island saw Grand River, along with most of the powwows in North America, put on hold for both 2020 and 2021.
The Grand River ‘Champion of Champions’ Pow Wow will be held July 23-24 at the Ohsweken Speedway, 1987 Chiefswood Road on Six Nations. Admission is $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass and $2 for children. Gates open at 10:00 a.m.. Dogs and pets are not permitted to attend however dogs for the blind may attend.
