First Nations University Spring Celebration Powwow Returns

Indigenous dancers at the Regina powwow celebrating at Brandt Centre Saskatchewan

First Nations University Spring Celebration Powwow Returns to Regina

The Regina powwow scene is about to set the Brandt Centre on fire. The First Nations University Spring Celebration Powwow is back for 2026, bringing two days of incredible Indigenous culture, dance, and music to the heart of Saskatchewan. This is not just any event. This is the longest-running indoor powwow in Western Canada, celebrating over 45 years of tradition, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime fan of these celebrations, April 18 and 19, 2026 will be dates you do not want to miss.

Looking for more cultural gems in Regina? This powwow is just one of the amazing gatherings that make this city come alive.

Key Takeaways

  • The longest-running indoor Regina powwow in Western Canada returns to the Brandt Centre April 18-19, 2026
  • Over 800 dancers and 20-plus drum groups from across North America will perform
  • Admission starts at $15 daily, with kids 5 and under admitted free

Table of Contents

What Is the Regina Powwow

The First Nations University Spring Celebration Powwow has been a cornerstone of Regina’s cultural calendar for more than four decades. Since its inception over 45 years ago, this event has grown into the premier indoor powwow in all of Western Canada. It draws performers, drummers, and visitors from across the continent, all coming together to celebrate Indigenous traditions, spirituality, and artistry.

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This is a family event. It truly is. From tiny tots taking their first steps in dance to golden age dancers over 55 keeping traditions alive, every generation comes together under one roof. The powwow is more than entertainment. It is a living expression of Indigenous identity, a way of passing stories and customs from elders to children, and a joyful gathering that welcomes everyone through its doors.

Discover more about Regina’s vibrant arts scene throughout the year.

What to Expect at This Regina Powwow

Walking into the Brandt Centre on Elphinstone Street during the Regina powwow feels like stepping into a world of color, sound, and spirit. The arena fills with the thunder of drums, the rustle of regalia, and the energy of hundreds of performers ready to share their craft.

Over 800 dancers will take their turns in the arena, representing dozens of Nations and dance styles. Each dancer wears a regalia handmade with intention, often passed down through families or created specifically for competition. These outfits feature elaborate beadwork, feathers, shells, and vibrant fabrics that tell stories of heritage and personal expression.

The dance categories on display include Fancy, Traditional, Jingle Dress, Grass Dance, and Chicken Dance. Fancy Dance is known for its fast pace and flashy footwork, with dancers wearing bright, multi-colored regalia with abundance of ribbon and feather work. Traditional Dance honors ancestors and tells stories through deliberate, grounded movements. Jingle Dress Dance originated with the Ojibwe people and features regalia adorned with metal cones that create a beautiful ringing sound as dancers move. Grass Dance is named for the grass dancers traditionally wore, and today features regalia with flowing ribbons and designs that flow like wind. Chicken Dance is a fun category where dancers mimic roosters with playful, entertaining movements.

Alongside the dancers, more than 20 drum groups will keep the beat going throughout the event. The drum is considered sacred in Indigenous culture. It represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. When a drum group plays together, you feel it in your chest. The singing rises and falls in powerful harmonies, and everyone in the arena is connected through that sound.

Regina Powwow Schedule and Events

The powwow runs across two full days, and there is something happening from the moment doors open until the final song fades away.

Doors open each day at 9:00 AM. If you arrive early, you might catch the Pipe Ceremony, which begins at 8:00 AM daily before the public doors open. This spiritual opening sets a respectful tone for the day ahead and is a meaningful way to start the experience.

Grand Entries are the heart of the Regina powwow. This is when all the dancers enter the arena in a procession led by the head dancers and veterans. It is a spectacular sight, with hundreds of dancers filing in together, regalia catching the light, and the drums launching into the first song. The Saturday Grand Entry happens at 12:00 PM, with a second Grand Entry at 7:00 PM that evening. Sunday features one Grand Entry at 12:00 PM, making midday Sunday a perfect time to catch the full experience if you can only attend once.

Throughout both days, competition dancing takes place across multiple age divisions. Tiny Tots get their moment to shine, showing off moves they have been practicing all year. Juniors and teens compete in their categories, while adults and seniors bring experience and artistry to the floor. The Golden Age division, for dancers 55 and older, is always a crowd favorite, filled with grace and deep respect for tradition.

Special honors go to veterans, who are recognized for their service and welcomed into the arena with songs and gratitude. The Miss FNUniv special is another highlight, featuring title holders who represent the First Nations University community with pride and poise.

The Indigenous tradeshow runs alongside the dancing, offering visitors a chance to browse vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and art. It is a great opportunity to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and take home a unique piece of Saskatchewan Indigenous culture.

Practical Information for the Regina Powwow

Getting to the Brandt Centre is easy. The venue is located at 1700 Elphinstone Street in Regina, Saskatchewan, right in the Evraz Place complex. There is ample parking available on site, making it convenient for families and groups arriving by car.

Admission pricing is straightforward. A single day pass costs $15 plus a $3 processing fee. If you plan to attend both days, the weekend pass is available for $20 plus a $3 fee. Children 5 years old and under get in completely free. At the door pricing applies, so arriving early is smart, especially for Saturday which tends to draw the largest crowds.

The venue is wheelchair accessible, and there are seating areas available for those who need to rest during the long days of performances. There are also food vendors on site offering a variety of options, so you can grab a bite without leaving the excitement of the arena.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the Regina powwow, contact the organizing committee by email at springpowwow@fnuniv.ca. For media inquiries or special arrangements, reach out to Bonnie Rockthunder through the same contact channels. The team is happy to help ensure everyone has a wonderful experience.

For more information about the First Nations University and its programs, visit the official website at fnuniv.ca. To plan your Regina stay and discover other attractions in Regina, check out Tourism Saskatchewan at tourismskatchewan.com.

Tips for First-Timers at the Regina Powwow

Attending a powwow for the first time can feel overwhelming, but there is no need to worry. The most important thing to remember is that this is a welcoming space. Indigenous peoples have been hosting powwows for generations, and visitors are genuinely encouraged to come, observe, and enjoy.

When the Grand Entry happens, stand if you feel comfortable doing so. This is a sign of respect as the dancers and veterans enter. During the flag songs and veteran honors, standing is the appropriate way to show gratitude for those who have served.

Photography is generally welcome, but always ask before taking close-up shots of dancers, especially if they are in regalia. Some performers prefer not to be photographed, and that wish should be respected. When in doubt, aim for wide shots of the arena rather than close portraits of individuals.

Bring cash for vendor purchases and food. While some vendors may accept cards, cash is always appreciated and makes transactions faster. Also consider bringing earplugs if you are sensitive to loud sounds, as the drums can reach impressive volumes in an indoor arena.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be on your feet a lot, and the arena can get warm when it is full of people. Layers work well since temperatures inside may fluctuate throughout the day.

Most importantly, relax and absorb the experience. Watch the dancers, listen to the drums, taste the food, and feel the energy of a community coming together. This Regina powwow at the First Nations University is a celebration of resilience, culture, and joy, and it is waiting for you at the Brandt Centre on April 18 and 19, 2026.

Do not miss it.

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