Learn about the Powwow Trail in Southern Alberta with Calgary Public Library

Have you ever wanted to attend a powwow celebration, but you’re not sure how to do so respectfully? Starting July 19, you can attend programs at Calgary Public Library to learn about what to expect when attending your first powwow celebration and the Powwow Trail in southern Alberta.    

This summer, Calgary Public Library has programs at five Library locations with demonstrations by drum groups and dancers from Treaty 7 Nations at Southwood, Signal Hill, Giuffre Family, Forest Lawn, and Crowfoot libraries. There will also be information about what to expect at a powwow and the history of the different kinds of dances you’ll see there.  

Visit calgarylibrary.ca/programs to see dates, times, and locations for each program.

Follow the Powwow Trail

Everyone is welcome to attend a Nation’s powwow. In the summer, the Nations work together to make sure their powwows don’t overlap, meaning that everyone can attend a different Nation’s powwow every weekend, creating a Powwow Trail through southern Alberta. 

Directions are provided via Google Map links below for how to find the powwow location on each Nation’s reserve.  

Kainai Nation Powwow  
July 21 – 23  
Held at Red Crow Park, on the Kainai Nation Reserve, south of Fort McLeod on Highway 2.  

Tsuut’ina Nation Powwow  
July 28 – 30  
Held at the Tsuut'ina Nation Rodeo Grounds, directly west of Calgary on Highway 8.  

Piikani Nation Powwow  
August 4 – 6  
Held at the Crow Lodge Multi-Purpose Building, east of Pincher Creek on Highway 3. 

Siksikaitsitapi Powwow  
August 23 – 24  
Held at the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge during Whoop-Up Days.

Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation Powwow  
September 1 – 3  
Held at Chief Goodstoney Rodeo Centre, near Morley, north of Highway 1.