Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


General Powwow Information

A Powwow is an Indigenous social celebration where community members can gather and enjoy traditional singing and dancing.

All community members, including non-Indigenous, are welcome and are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in what a Powwow has to offer.

Experiencing a Powwow emphasizes the importance of relationship-building with everyone while providing opportunities to learn more about Indigenous culture and knowledge. The U of T Mississauga Indigenous Centre welcomes you to the All-Nations Powwow on September 28, 2024.

Invited Drums Only 

Dancers must be in full regalia for end-of-day honoraria payout 

Vendors are invite-only due to limited capacity. 

We encourage you to bring your own water bottles.

No pets allowed, service animals exempted.

Yes, this event is open to the public. 

Get the latest news and updates about the upcoming 2024 All-Nations Powwow on September 28, 2024. Sign up for updates now »

No, admission to the Powwow is free. 

No, registration is not required for spectators.

Yes, dancers will be required to register to receive end of day honoraria. Pre-registration is now open and highly encouraged. Dancer registration will also be available on the day of the Powwow until 3 PM. Pre-register as a dancer >>

This event will be held in-person only.

If you are a first-time Powwow visitor, we recommend watching the recording of the Powwow Protocols and Etiquette Webinar.

While attending a Powwow, there are some rules that guests must follow, such as:

  • Listen to the emcee to understand protocols. The emcee will note when to stand, when to remove your hat, and when it is okay to take photos. Some parts of the event are sacred and prohibit any photography or videography. 
  • Do not touch the Drums. 
  • Visitors are strongly encouraged to ask permission from Dancers before taking photos.
  • Do not touch the Dancers’ regalia (clothing) without asking permission first. 
  • If you see an Eagle Feather on the ground, please do not pick it up yourself. Inform a member from the Indigenous community to help. 
  • Do not bring pets as the Powwow grounds are considered sacred. 

Activities

Expect a full day of traditional ceremonies, singing, and dancing. The All-Nations Powwow will also have two competitions called a special — one for Men’s Traditional and one for Jingle Dress. View Powwow Schedule »

There will also be a range of tables featuring Indigenous-owned businesses. Vendors will be announced later. 

Guests may stop by anytime to watch the events and shop. 

Indoors or Outdoors

The Powwow events will be outdoors. In case of inclement weather, the Powwow activities will be moved indoors. We will post weather and relocation updates to the website and provide email updates. Sign up for email updates »

Outdoor guest seating at the Powwow will be limited to a first-come, first-serve basis. You are also welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets. 

  

Food and Beverage

Food will be available for purchase on campus. You may also bring your own food and use the microwaves available in any building. 

 

Food Options on Campus (Check the Hours of Operation)

Davis Meeting Place (DV) - Tim Hortons 

Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre (Library) - Starbucks

Deerfield Hall (DH) - North Side Bistro

Instructional Centre (IB) - Subway, Ah So, and Quesada

Yes, all food services will accept credit or debit.

UTM no longer sells disposable water bottles on campus. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to refill at the water stations around campus.

Vendors

Due to capacity limitations on campus, vendors will be by invitation only. 

Most vendors at the Powwow will only accept cash.

Yes, an ATM is located near the Food Court inside the William G. Davis Building.

Prohibited Items

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the UTM campus. Learn more about U of T’s Smoke-Free Policy »

Pet Policy

Strictly no pets allowed, with the exception of service animals. For more information on service animals, please refer to the U of T Service Animals Guideline.  

Accessibility

Please contact Sabrina Sy, Powwow Coordinator, if you require information in an alternate format or if any other arrangements can make this event accessible.

Yes, this event offers ASL interpretation.

Directions

The Powwow will be held outdoors at:

University of Toronto Mississauga
North Field (in front of Maanjiwe nendamowinan)
3359 Mississauga Road
Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6

View directions on Google Maps »

The UTM-St.George shuttle will be operating the day of the Powwow.

For transit routes and driving directions, visit the UTM Maps and Directions page.

Parking

Yes, parking will be free all-day at parking lots P4 and P8. View Parking Map » 

There will also be a shuttle service to bring guests from parking lots 4 & 8 to the powwow area.

  • First Pick Up: 10:25 AM (RAWC entrance)

  • Last Pick Up: 5:45 PM (Instructional Centre)

For more information about Pay & Display parking elsewhere on campus, check out the Campus Parking page. 

 

There are accessibility parking spaces at P1, P4, P8, and P9. 

The parking shuttle takes people from P4, P8 to the Powwow Area. 

The shuttle will run from:

  • 10:15 AM - 1PM, every 15 minutes or if bus is full
  • 1 PM - 4 PM, every 30 minutes or if bus is full
  • 4PM - 5PM, every 15 minutes

Yes, UTM has 12 designated EV charging stations available on the lower level of parking deck P8. For more information on charging your electric vehicle on campus, please refer to the EV stations page. 

Sustainability

Sustainability is a priority for UTM, and we need your help to make the All-Nations Powwow Event more sustainable! Here are some simple ways you can contribute to sustainability at the event:

 

Before the Event

·        Pack a litter-free meal: Bring your food in reusable containers and use reusable cutlery to minimize waste.

·        Bring your own water bottle: Help reduce single-use plastics by bringing a refillable water bottle.

·        Choose sustainable transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit to get to the event and reduce your carbon footprint.

 

During the Event

·        Sort your waste correctly: Utilize the 4-stream waste bins for proper disposal (paper recycling, container recycling, organics, and landfill). Follow the signage carefully to make sure your waste goes to the right place.

·        Ask for help if needed: Not sure where your waste belongs? There will be Waste Ambassador volunteers at the event, so do not hesitate to ask them for guidance

Photography and Videography

Parts of the Powwow are sacred and should not be photographed or videographed. The Master of Ceremonies will announce when pictures and videos are appropriate. Visitors are strongly encouraged to ask permission from Dancers and vendors before taking photos. 

If you are a first-time Powwow visitor, we recommend watching the Powwow Protocols and Etiquette Workshop

For media inquiries, please contact Julia Le, Issues and Media Relations Strategist, at juliaivy.le@utoronto.ca.