When: May 16–18, 2025
Where: 830 Simon Rd, Creston, BC
Set against the natural beauty of Creston, British Columbia, the Yaqan Nukiy 32nd Annual Traditional Pow Wow is set to take place this May long weekend, from May 16 to 18, 2025. This highly anticipated celebration of Indigenous culture, wellness, and unity will gather families, dancers, drummers, vendors, and visitors from across the region in a powerful expression of tradition and intergenerational connection.
About the Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow
The Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow is more than a gathering—it is a legacy. Now in its 32nd year, this free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Lower Kootenay Band and celebrates Indigenous traditions through dance, music, and community spirit. The 2025 theme, “Celebrating Intergenerational Wellness,” honors the strength and beauty of families and knowledge passed down through generations.
The event will feature a full weekend of cultural showcases, dance competitions, drumming, artisan vendors, and engaging exhibitions. It’s an opportunity for all generations to come together in a joyful, inclusive environment that uplifts spirit and identity.
Highlights and Specials
The 2025 Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow is proud to present an exciting lineup of five dance specials, each honoring legacy, identity, and community:
- Grass vs. Jingle (All Ages): A friendly competition celebrating Jared Basil’s 10-year journey back into the pow wow circle. Top 3 dancers in both categories will be awarded.
- 2Spirit Special (All Ages, All Categories): Sponsored by Smokii Sumac, this inclusive special embraces gender diversity and spirit, welcoming 2Spirit dancers across generations.
- Women’s Traditional 18+ Special: Honouring Robin Roberts with three top prizes and three consolation awards to celebrate grace and legacy.
- Women’s Buckskin 65+: A heartfelt tribute sponsored by Tina Jimmy, recognizing wisdom and strength in traditional dance.
- Intergenerational Team Dance (All Ages): Sponsored by the committee, this special highlights family participation and celebrates the interconnectedness of generations.
Grand Entry Times
- Friday, May 16: 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 17: 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 18: 1:00 PM
The event will be guided by MC Ruben Littlehead, with Xavier Littlehead as Arena Director. Featured drums include Young Spirit (Host Drum) and Eya Hey Nakoda (Honor Drum), ensuring the heartbeat of the pow wow carries through the weekend with powerful resonance.
More to Experience
In addition to competitive and showcase dances, attendees will enjoy:
- Hoop dancers performing all weekend
- Stick games and tipi raising contests
- 20+ local artisan and food vendors
- Hand drum circles welcoming all participants
- Craft and food vendor market featuring Indigenous-made goods
This is a drug- and alcohol-free event that invites people of all backgrounds to come together in support of cultural celebration and wellness.
Why It Matters
The Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of tradition, language, and connection. Events like this help foster healing, empowerment, and pride across Indigenous communities—while also educating and welcoming others into a shared space of respect.
The emphasis on intergenerational wellness encourages participation from youth to Elders and supports cultural practices that nourish identity and community ties. Whether you are dancing, volunteering, or attending for the first time, the pow wow offers a space to learn, celebrate, and connect.
Who Should Attend
The Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow is open to everyone—locals, tourists, families, and cultural supporters alike. It is an ideal experience for:
- Indigenous community members
- Elders and youth
- Dancers, drummers, and cultural performers
- Visitors interested in learning about Indigenous traditions
- Vendors, artists, and small businesses
- Allies and advocates for Indigenous wellness
Get Involved
There are still a few vendor spots available, so if you would like to showcase your goods or services, please reach out. Volunteers, sponsors, and donations are also welcomed.
📧 Contact the Committee: powwowyaqannukiy@gmail.com
📱 Follow Updates: Visit the official Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow Facebook page for livestreams, announcements, and photos leading up to the event.
History Bonus: A Legacy Rooted in Ktunaxa History
The Yaqan Nukiy community, also known as the Lower Kootenay Band, is one of the four bands of the Ktunaxa Nation whose traditional territory spans parts of what is now British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, and Idaho. The Ktunaxa people have lived in this region for over 10,000 years, with a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land and water. “Yaqan Nukiy,” meaning “where the rock stands,” reflects the people’s ancestral ties to the home lands surrounding the Creston Valley. Despite the impacts of colonization and early contact, the Ktunaxa language and customs remain strong, passed down through generations. Today, the Lower Kootenay people continue to honor this history through revitalization efforts, cultural gatherings like the annual pow wow, and the preservation of their language and traditions for future generations.
Final Thoughts
The Yaqan Nukiy Pow Wow is more than an event—it is a movement grounded in tradition, resilience, and shared celebration. It brings together generations in the name of healing, remembrance, and joy. As the community gathers once again under the Creston sky, attendees will witness the beauty of Indigenous culture in full expression.
Make sure to mark your calendars for May 16–18, 2025, and be part of an unforgettable celebration of Yaqan Nukiy spirit and strength.
