Dagwaagin Pow Wow: A day of culture, connection and community on the land

Around 8,000 Winnipeg School Division students and staff from over 60 schools gathered recently at the Dagwaagin (Fall) Pow Wow and land-based learning day. Held on Naawi-Oodena, Treaty 1 land, just days after the fall equinox and around National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the gathering brought Grades 1–8 students together for a day of culture, learning, and connection.

The day began with Pipe Carriers and Knowledge Keepers gathering in ceremony, followed by Grand Entry and the Pow Wow. As the day continued, students spread out across Naawi-Oodena to take part in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and teachings on the land.

Culture in Action

Aleatra Sammurtok—Throat SingingStudents took part in Grandparent Teachings, Indigenous games, fiddling and jigging, Inuit throat singing, Tipi Teachings and a variety of land-based learning stations, including goose, fire, medicine harvesting, and fish camps.

Tavia Nelson — Tipi TeachingsMany of lessons were delivered to students through language, history, and hands-on activities. Teacher Darlene Rivard led a fishing game where students practised casting and caught wooden fish representing pike, pickerel and perch. Each time a student caught a fish, they were encouraged to repeat its name in Michif.

Darlene Rivard with student — Fishing Game

“It was for them to practice and to hear the language,” said Rivard. The activity also encouraged patience and turn-taking. 

Connecting with community

As students moved between the different activities, they were also introduced to the people, communities, and organizations that help bring these teachings to life.

Zongidaya Nelson from Roseau – Kirby Nelson at the "Learning about Roseau" session

Treaty One was represented through a dedicated learning tent, where representatives from Swan Lake First Nation and Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation shared about their communities. Students from General Wolfe School also contributed presentations highlighting all seven Treaty One Nations, which were displayed in the tent.

This sense of community extended into the Pow Wow circle, where students took an active role in bringing the gathering to life. Student drum groups from St. John’s High School, Tec-Voc High School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, along with community drum groups, set the rhythm of the day.

Good Heart Elk Singers— Tec-Voc High School Drumming GroupFor Sherry Lynn Fontaine, a Grade 12 student at École Secondaire Sisler High School, volunteering with friends to support the drum groups was another way to be part of the gathering.

“I love to see that they are bringing kids and doing that,” said Fontaine, reflecting on the opportunities students now have to experience Indigenous culture and traditions in their schools and communities.

Carrying it forward

Together, these experiences created a shared opportunity that extended beyond the classroom and brought students into relationship with the land, language, culture, and community.

In the context of Truth and Reconciliation, students were able to experience culture and traditions while learning about the histories and teachings connected to them. A special Jingle Dress Dance was also held in honour of Residential School, Day School, and Sixties Scoop Survivors, recognizing the Jingle Dress and its connection to healing.

Through language, music, ceremony, hands-on activities, and teachings from Knowledge Keepers and community members, students had opportunities to listen, participate and build connections.

The Dagwaagin Pow Wow and land-based learning day is one of many ways WSD's Indigenous Education Department creates opportunities for students to engage with traditional teachings and Truth and Reconciliation throughout the year, bringing those lessons back into their families and communities.