Concordia cancels annual powwow
Community gathers under the sun at the 2024 Concordia powwow at Loyola Campus, celebrating Indigenous culture, art, and tradition with vibrant market vendors, music, and dancing. Courtesy Leah Louttit-Bunker
Concordia University has cancelled its annual powwow, what was once a fall tradition and longstanding cultural event that draws Indigenous students, alumni, and community members to the downtown campus.
The cancellation, due to the university’s financial deficit, has left many in the community disappointed, as the powwow has long been a vital space for cultural celebration, networking, and business opportunities.
The event is organized by the Otsenhákta Student Centre, but funding falls under the Provost’s Office. According to Concordia media representative Vannina Maestracci, the university had no choice but to suspend the event.
“As you may know, we have been facing a large deficit in recent years. So unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the powwow this year,” Maestracci said. “All units have had to reduce expenses and make difficult decisions. The priority is always to preserve the academic mission of the university.”
She added that the cost of hosting the powwow has historically been around $30,000. With a $31.1 million approved deficit for 2025-26 and required cuts of about $50 million, the university says the event was not financially feasible.
“Our deficit is the result of many factors, including new measures introduced by the government of Quebec in fall 2023, a decline in enrollment particularly among international students, salary increases negotiated under the government salary policy, and inflation,” Maestracci explained.
“We know the powwow is an important event for Indigenous students and staff at Concordia as well as the larger community, and we hope to organize it again when resources permit.”
While Concordia has scheduled alternative programming around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation such as a “Day of Learning” on September 16 and a discussion circle on teaching about residential schools many argue these cannot replace the powwow’s unique role.
For Nico Williams, an Anishinaabe artist and Concordia alumnus, the cancellation represents a significant cultural loss.
“It’s quite heartbreaking, to say the least,” Williams said. “During the pandemic, I understood why events were shut down, but this year there’s no health obligation. Powwows are uplifting, you hear the drumming, see the regalia, meet new artists. It’s a meeting place for all the nations, and for the city to come together.”
Williams, who often attends the Concordia powwow to support artists, stressed the importance of transparency. “People are finding out mostly through word of mouth. The McGill powwow just happened, and people started asking, ‘What about Concordia’s?’ It would help if the university explained clearly, publicly, why the powwow isn’t happening.”
Lance Delisle, who has served as MC at Concordia’s Pow Wow, described the cancellation as a missed opportunity to foster community.
“Last year was fantastic, and we had already talked about wanting to get a head start for this year,” Delisle recalled. “So, when I heard in May that it wasn’t going ahead, it was hard. I had to call back people I’d already made commitments to. The powwow gives students the chance to participate in something that spotlights positivity, community, and spirituality. When you don’t get that opportunity, you lose that connection, that community spirit.”
Delisle also highlighted the financial realities of organizing a powwow. “You can start with a budget of $30,000 and still find it’s not enough. Performers, dancers, sound, water, toilets, coordinators, services, vendors, it all adds up. In smaller communities, powwows are supported by donations and local governments. At a school like Concordia with financial challenges, it becomes much harder.”
A local vendor at the past Concordia powwows, Leah Louttit-Bunker, owner of Cree Stones Jewlery for the past five years, said she relies heavily on the powwow for both social and business connections.
“I received an email from last year’s coordinators informing me of the cancellation,” Louttit-Bunker said. “I was very disappointed, but I understand why it’s cancelled. Universities and other organizations in Montreal have been financially cutting Indigenous-related programs and events, which is upsetting, especially as we’re trying to increase Indigenous representation in urban centres.”
Louttit-Bunker explained that this is her final year living in Montreal before moving east, making the cancellation personally significant.
“It’s sad that I won’t have one last chance to celebrate and enjoy the powwow. It’s a highlight of my year because I get to connect with other Indigenous students and artists, and through this, grow my business. The powwow is also where I am most financially successful. Every opportunity to network, meet other artisans, and showcase my craft is lost when the powwow is cancelled,” Louttit-Bunker said.
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“I’m hoping the powwow will run again next year for everyone’s sake. It’s such an integral event for Montreal’s Indigenous community.
“Powwow culture is so important, I need to make it out at least once a year. It’s more than just an event. It’s where connections are made, where culture is lived. I really hope Concordia brings it back,” she said.
