28th Annual Soaring Spirit Pow Wow

It’s Pow Wow time! The 28th annual Soaring Spirit Festival & Pow Wow, hosted by Branches Of Native Development (Hamilton), June 20 – 22, 2025.
Featuring Vendors, Culture, Drumming, Singing, Dancing, Food…family fun, education & community bonding – all Nations welcome!

This has become one of the Indigenous community celebrations within Hamilton, attracting up to 500 people each day! This cultural event enriches the City of Hamilton by showcasing Indigenous ways of life and being through vibrant expressions such as drumming, singing, storytelling, crafting, feasting, and communal gatherings. These activities provide a platform for wisdom and knowledge exchange, mirroring the traditional gatherings of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.

Visit us in our red tent for unique crafts, health & wellness products, Smokeless Smudge,
Maple & Birch Syrups, Lucky Rabbit Feet, tanned pelts and more – all ethically, sustainably and locally produced!

Battlefield Park, 77 King St. West, Stoney Creek, ON (there is no on-site parking – please park respectfully in the neighbourhood, or use public transit)

Each day will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony, at 7am.

Friday will feature our early Sunrise Ceremony at 7 am, and a Water Ceremony at noon. Friday will also be the start of the Native Arts, Craft, Trade & Food Show, Agency displays, speakers and exhibits and closing with live entertainment.

Participate in Drum, Music, Dance and Art as we feature our annual POW WOW on Saturday and Sunday. For early risers, the Sun Rise Ceremony starts at 7 am., all are welcomed to attend and participate.

This year marks the 28th Annual Soaring Spirit Festival/Gathering. It has become one of the largest attended Indigenous community celebrations within Hamilton and has had an attendance of up to 500 people each day. This Indigenous Cultural event helps to bring Indigenous ways of life and Indigenous ways of being to the City of Hamilton through drumming, singing, storytelling, crafting, feasting and socializing (exchanging wisdom and knowledge) – a way in which Indigenous groups across Turtle Island have always gathered.

Pow Wow registration open at 10 am each day – Grand Entry 12:00 pm Live Indigenous Entertainment/Music Saturday

Friday, June 20:

Sunrise Ceremony 7 am
Water Ceremony 12 pm
Live Indigenous Karaoke Idol Contest Auditions 4pm – 9pm

Saturday, June 21 & Sunday, June 22:

Sunrise Ceremony: 7:00 am
Grand Entry: 12:00 Noon
Vendors Open: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Host Drum: Spirit Vision Singers
Head Veteran: TBD
Head Elders: TBD
Head Dancers: TBD
Master of Ceremonies: TBD

The first thing I thought of when I heard the words “soaring spirit” was of an eagle, not only because they are champion soarers but also because they are the embodiment of spirit. I wanted to try to convey that image in a way that would echo the inspirational theme of Soaring Spirit. Bringing a circular element into the design made it feel whole and complete. I hope the image succeeds in lifting the spirits of people as much as the theme does.

Catherine Dallaire, Métis (creator of the Soaring Spirit logo)