Peter Brule, of Bigstone Cree Nation, left, participates in the Grand Entry in the Golden Age Men’s section followed by Leo Gladue, middle, of Edmonton, on the opening night of the 2025 Driftpile Powwow.

The annual Driftpile Powwow returns Aug. 14-16 with dancers and drummers from Canada and the United States.

About 300-500 people from both countries are expected for the event, Driftpile Cree Nation cultural co-ordinator Tina Isadore says.

“Get ready for an exciting celebration of culture, tradition and community,” Isadore says.

“Driftpile is excited to welcome dancers, drummers, families and friends to the competition powwow.”

Grand Entries are scheduled for Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., Aug. 15 and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 1 p.m.

“It’s the biggest competition powwow in northern Alberta,” Isadore says.

“We expect about 2,000 people over the weekend.”

Dancers will participate in a variety of categories and dances including Female Fancy Dance, Female Jingle Dance, Women’s Traditional Dance, Tiny Tots Dance, Men’s Grass Dance, Men’s Chicken Dance, Men’s Buckskin Dance,

Several groups of singers and drummers also set the beat for the various dancers dressed in colourful regalia and faces painted.

“A powwow is a celebration of singing and dancing and gathering in prayer,” Isadore says.

“When we are dancing and singing, we are in connection with the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

“The drumbeat is a heart and the drumbeat brings life to our gatherings and ceremonies.”

Held since the early 1980s. the powwow will feature seven age categories. Dancers in the Women’s and Men’s Golden Age (60 years and older), Senior Women’s and Men’s (40-59), Junior Women’s and Men’s (18-39) will be competing for prize money of $1,000 for first, $800 for second, and $500 for third.

Dancers in Teen Girls’ and Boys’ (13-17) will compete for $700, $500 and $300

Junior Girls’ and Boys’ (7-12) will be up for prize money of $300, $200 and $100.

“Dancers will be judged for their confidence, dancing skills and timing and for their aura,” Isadore says.

Tiny Tots (11 and under) and Men’s Buckskin will also be featured with no prize money.

A drum contest will also be featured with $18,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, $5,000 for third and $3,000 for fourth place.

Bad Eagle, of Chilliwack, B.C., will be the host drum group.

The group was nominated for a 2026 Juno Award for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Award.

Princess pageants for Tiny Tots, Juniors and Seniors will be held throughout the weekend, Isadore says.

A free community feast with Indigenous and contemporary food will be offered to everyone.

People will also receive special gifts.

“Gifts are a blessing,” Isadore says.

A new cover over the arbour will help protect dancers, drummers and spectators from any inclement or hot weather, she says.

“It’s been in the plans for many years,” Isadore says.

The permanent cover was installed in early July.

Masters of ceremonies will be Stan Isadore, of Driftpile, and Hal Eagletail, of Tsjutina Nation.

Wapastim Isadore- Bellerose, of Driftpile and Vincent Rain, of Paul First Nation, will be the arena directors.

Richard Froese
South Peace News