Oakland, California food, summer Pow Wows across Canada, and top small towns in Hawaii. A bit of a mixed bag for today’s blog post.
POW WOWS ACROSS CANADA THIS SUMMER
A Pow Wow in Canada. Photo Courtesy Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings where Indigenous Peoples from different nations come together to honour their traditions and ancestors through music, dance and community. These events often include an impressive line-up of events from coast to coast to coast and is open to all. To see the full list of Pow Wows visit www.canadianpowwows.ca.
West Coast
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kamloopa Pow Wow – June 27-29, 2025
Join the celebration of vibrant Indigenous culture at the 44th Kamloopa Pow Wow, hosted by the Kamloopa Pow Wow Society. This three-day event will take place at the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw, the traditional territory of the Secwépemc peoples. The Kamloopa Pow Wow expects an estimated 500 dancers and drummers from all across Canada and the United States, showcasing drumming, and dancing, colourful regalia, great food and shopping at the artisan vendor booths.
Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow – September 12-14, 2025
The stɑl̓əw̓ Arts and Cultural Society, an Indigenous women-led registered charity, will host the fourth annual stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow at the Langley Events Centre. Stɑl̓əw̓ translates “big river” in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, reflecting the importance of the Fraser River and the deep connections within Indigenous communities along its shores.
The Prairies
ALBERTA
Siksika National Fair Pow Wow – June 27-29, 2025
The annual fair has been a beloved tradition that continues to celebrate Siksika culture, music, dance and local arts and crafts, experiences ranging from pageants, rodeos to sports including baseball, golf and basketball.
Calgary Stampede Pow Wow – July 3-13, 2025
The Calgary Stampede Pow Wow, one of Canada’s largest competitive Pow Wows, returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome highlighting some of the finest dancers and drummers in North America. Beyond the competition, the event offers several cultural experiences at the Elbow River Camp where visitors can connect with Treaty 7 First Nations’ artists, enjoy traditional foods and participate in cultural demonstrations and storytelling.
SASKATCHEWAN
George Gordon First Nation Annual Competition Pow Wow – June 27-29, 2025
Located in the heart of Treaty 4 Territory in Touchwood Hills, George Gordon First Nation will host their annual competition Pow Wow. George Gordon First Nation is a sovereign and self-reliant treaty nation that focuses on building safe, healthy and sustainable communities all while embracing Cree and Saulteaux languages and culture.
A Pow Wow in Canada. Photo Courtesy Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
MANITOBA
Manito Ahbee Pow Wow – May 17-18, 2025
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow at Red River Exhibition Park. Manito Ahbee Pow Wow is recognized as a global leader in sharing Indigenous culture and heritage – the festival name comes from a sacred site considered one of the most significant traditional Indigenous gathering places on Turtle Island and was gifted to the festival through a special ceremony.
Central Canada
ONTARIO
Wiikwemkoong Annual Cultural Festival – August 2-4, 2025
Located on the eastern peninsula of Manitoulin Island, the Wiikwemkoong Nation invites guests to celebrate its rich heritage, cultural pride and community spirit. The Wiikwemkoong Annual Festival is one of the largest and longest running Pow Wow’s in Northern Eastern North America.
Rama First Nation Pow Wow – August 23-24, 2025
The Rama First Nation will be celebrating their 40th annual Pow Wow this year on the Chippewa Territory, also known as “the gathering place”. Visitors can explore and learn about the Ojibwe community, traditions and restoring traditional ecological knowledge as it is at the forefront of its vision for the future.
Akwesasne International Pow Wow – September 6-7, 2025
On the shores by the beautiful St. Lawrence River, the Akwesasne Nation invite travellers to their vibrant two-day celebration taking place in Cornwall, Ontario. Visitors can join the cultural gathering that honours Mohawk traditions, Indigenous arts and community.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival – June 21-22, 2025
This year’s Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is set to take place in Wesley Clover parks in Ottawa. The festival is hosted by the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee, a coalition of national organizations that represent Indigenous communities across Canada.
Atlantic Canada
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The Annual Abegweit First Nation Mawi’omi – June 6-8, 2025
The Abegweit First Nation welcomes visitors to join them at Points East Coastal in Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island, for an unforgettable cultural experience. Each year, the annual Abegweit First Nation Mawi’omi gather for a powerful celebration of Mi’kmaw heritage, a vibrant display of tradition, resilience and community spirit.
Lennox Island Annual Mawi’omi – August 23-24, 2025
The Lennox Island Nation welcomes all to celebrate the Mi’kmaw culture through their Lennox Island Annual Mawi’omi, set on the shores of Lennox Island. Each year, the gathering honours the Mi’kmaw culture and tradition.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Miawpukek First Nation Pow Wow – August 2-3, 2025
Miawpukek First Nation will celebrate their 30th annual Pow Wow this year, welcoming visitors to the South Coast of Newfoundland. The community maintains strong cultural practices, language preservation efforts and hosts several events, including the Pow Wow, which celebrates the Mi’lmaq song, dance and spirituality.
OAKLAND VOTED USA’S BEST FOOD CITY
Lake Merritt is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy nature in downtown Oakland. – JIM BYERS PHOTO
Oakland, California has been voted the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. by the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. The top criteria for judging included unforgettable food and exceptional dining experiences. According to Condé Nast Traveler, 575,048 votes were cast in their overall 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
Oakland is known for its vibrant, diverse culinary scene and unique neighborhoods populated with local hot spots. The Condé Nast feature stated that “There’s no wrong neighborhood from which to start exploring Oakland’s staggeringly diverse food scene.” The publication highlighted several restaurants including Burdell, Pizzaolo, and taco trucks that serve some of the best birria in the country. Condé Nast Traveler also mentioned the strong taproom and winery tasting room scene that is found throughout The Town.
I have a slight interest in the city as I was born in Oakland, a city where my Mom was born and raised and my Dad spent most of the first 30 years of his life. It’s a vastly underrated city, with great neighborhoods to explore such as Temescal, a lovely downtown lake (Lake Merritt), fine museums, and stunning redwood forests less than 10 minutes from downtown.
And, yes, there’s also tremendous food.
HAWAI’I SMALL-TOWN GEMS
The upcountry town of Makawao has a cool, western feel. PHOTO COURTESY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
World Atlas had a nice story recently on some of the lesser-known places to explore in Hawai’i. A couple of my faves made the list: Hawi on Hawai’i Big Island, Lana’i City on Lana’i, Hana on Maui and Kaunakakai on Molokai. Honolulu and major tourists areas such as Wailea on Maui are great, but if you don’t explore the smaller towns you’re really missing something. It’s pretty popular, but I also love Paia on Maui. Hanapepe on Kaua’i might be the best small town in all of Hawai’i. I also love Kilauea on Kaua’i, Haleiwa on O’ahu, Makawao on Maui (a real old west/cowboy flavor) and the small city of Hilo on Hawai’i Big Island.
