Where tradition & culture come alive

The South Island

›› Samantha Dean

The South Island Powwow is an annual celebration hosted by the Songhees Nation to honour residential and day school Survivors in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 th Everyone is welcome to join us at Royal Athletic Park, located at 1014 Caledonia Avenue in Victoria, BC thanks to support from the City of Victoria. This vibrant event brings together people from varying Indigenous Nations and communities to showcase their traditions, artistry, and cultures. With a focus on promoting unity, understanding, and respect, the Powwow stands as a testament to the resilience and pride of the Indigenous Peoples of the South Island and all around.

Historical Significance

The Powwow has deep historical roots, tracing back centuries to the time before colonization. For Indigenous communities, these gatherings were essential for fostering community bonds, celebrating seasonal milestones, and passing down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. With the arrival of European settlers, however, these traditions were suppressed, leading to the loss of cultural identity and practices.

The history of the Songhees Nation Powwow started in 1994, Songhees leadership which included the George family began hosting the Powwow on the arbour field located at Maplebank Road. This Powwow was known to be a staple annual event for Vancouver Island. Years later, organization was passed on to the Joseph family, who hosted into the new century. Due to challenging times and a struggle to maintain infrastructure, the family made the difficult decision to stop hosting this event.

In recent times, there has been a pub-