2026 stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow Returns to Langley This September

From September 11 to 13, the Langley Events Centre will be filled with the sound of drums, singing, and hundreds of dancers making their way into the arena.

If you’ve never been to a Pow Wow before, you’re welcome here. 

Hosted by the Indigenous women-led stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society, the fifth annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow welcomes everyone to come together for a weekend of dancing, music, food, art and culture. Whether you’re returning for another year or attending for the first time, you’ll find an event built around sharing traditions, strengthening community, and making people feel welcome.

“It’s really a reclamation of our identity, connecting and reconnecting with other Indigenous communities,” says stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society Manager q̓ʷɑt̓ic̓ɑ, Phyllis Atkins. “It’s a safe and inclusive event, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to attend. We really want people to come and experience it, attend and be a part of it. There’s no better way.”

What You’ll Experience at the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow 

One of the first things you’ll notice is the sound.

The steady beat of the drums carries through the building long before you reach the arena, where dancers in vibrant regalia, singers, and drummers gather throughout the weekend.

One of the highlights is the Grand Entries, when hundreds of dancers enter the arena together in an impressive display of culture, community, and tradition. If you’re deciding which day to attend, Saturday is the busiest day of the weekend. That evening’s Grand Entry, with more than 500 dancers filling the arena, is a powerful moment that connects everyone in the room.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll experience welcome ceremonies led by the host Nations, recognizing the communities whose traditions continue to shape this region. Representatives from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen) and Semiahmoo First Nations all take part in the weekend. On Saturday, Chief Marilyn Gabriel of Kwantlen First Nation joins the Mayor and members of Council to officially welcome guests, while Saturday evening begins with Chief Harley Chappell and the Semiahmoo welcome before the Grand Entry. On Sunday, Chief Grace Cunningham and Katzie First Nation offer their own special welcome, with each Nation bringing its own traditions and protocols to the celebration.

Between songs and dances, take some time to explore the vendors’ market, where Indigenous artists, makers, and businesses share handcrafted goods, artwork, jewellery, and clothing. When it’s time for something to eat, you’ll also find Indigenous-owned food vendors serving everything from fresh bannock to contemporary Indigenous cuisine.

The Traditions Behind the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow

The name stɑl’əw̓ means “big river” in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, and it’s a fitting name for a gathering that connects people from across British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.

Every year, the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow joins Nations from across the region, each sharing their own songs, dances and traditions.

One of this year’s highlights is the return of the all-women’s drum group, something the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow introduced for the first time last year. It’s a reflection of the Society’s commitment to creating space for Indigenous women while celebrating the role they continue to play in keeping traditions alive.

“We work with everyone, all genders, but there is something about doing a special like this for women, to empower women, and that is part of who we are,” says Phyllis Atkins.

Visitors will also have the chance to see the Mason Hoop Dancers from Winnipeg alongside Coast Salish dancers and singers, offering a glimpse into different traditions from across Indigenous communities.

Saturday features the Semiahmoo youth performers, sharing Coast Salish songs and dances, while Sunday’s Miss stɑl’əw̓ pageant celebrates the next generation of young Indigenous leaders. The crowned princess spends the following year representing stɑl’əw̓ at Pow Wows across Canada and the United States.

As the stɑl’əw̓ Arts & Cultural Society says: “Like a river, the Pow Wow brings people together, creating space to honour traditions, share culture, and build lasting relationships.”

Plan Your Attendance to the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow

Whether you’re coming for an afternoon or spending the whole weekend, everyone is welcome at the stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow.

The stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow takes place September 11–13, 2026, at Langley Events Centre. Admission is open to everyone, and whether it’s your first Pow Wow or one of many, you’ll be welcomed into a weekend of culture, community, and connection.

For event times, admission details and the latest schedule, visit the official stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow website before you go.

As Phyllis puts it:

“You could tell someone there’s the Pow Wow, but if they don’t go and experience it, they won’t get it. Then they’re like, ‘Oh, I get it. I loved it. I want to come next year.'”