The Six Nations of the Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow has settled into its new space at the Ohsweken Speedway grounds, now in its fourth year at its new location.
The powwow went off without a hitch as hundreds of dancers and drum groups from across North America competed for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money in one of the largest competition powwows in North America.
Typically held during the hottest time of the year during the last weekend of July, this year’s powwow saw much more pleasant weather than in years past.
Thousands of visitors were treated to the visually stunning displays of intricate regalia from various dance styles, including the grass dance, fancy shawl, jingle dress, men’s fancy, men’s and women’s traditional, smoke dance and a few intertribal dances.
Emcees Dennis Bowen and John “Meeg” Snake Jr. kept the crowd entertained over the weekend while instructing guests on proper powwow etiquette during the Grand Entry, a vibrant ceremony that introduces dancers and welcomes visitors to the powwow every year.
The Grand Entry was led by head veteran Jeffrey Plain, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, carrying the Eagle Staff, accompanied by host drum Southern Cree paying flag songs and veteran songs.
As is custom for the Grand Entry, attendees had to remove headwear and remain standing for the procession during the opening sacred songs.
The head veteran was followed by elders, the Six Nations Veterans Association and the hundreds of dancers who followed them into the grassy dance arena.
Top prizes went to the drum groups, at $12,000 for first place, down to $4,000 for fifth place. Top dancers took home $1,000 each.
It was the fourth year the powwow was held at Ohsweken Speedway, having been held for decades at its original location at Chiefswood Park, before the super popular powwow outgrew that space and evolved after two years without a powwow during the pandemic years in 2020 and 2021.
Dozens of artisan booths stretched as far as the eye could see and of course, guests enjoyed traditional strawberry juice and Navajo tacos, among other festival-type fare.
Miss Six Nations 2025-2026 Kymberly Farmer expressed pride in her fellow ambassadors representing the community so well during the powwow. Southern Cree drum group, which hails from Montana, said the community treated them well and they thanked the community for choosing them to be the Host Drum.
This was the 44th annual Champion of Champions Powwow.
Photos: Dave LaForce
