The 45th annual Kamloopa Powwow will return to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc from June 26–28, bringing together hundreds of dancers, drummers, vendors and spectators for three days of celebration, culture and community.

Hosted by the Kamloopa Powwow Society at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour, the event is expected to welcome close to 500 dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States. Visitors can expect traditional song and dance, colourful regalia, artisan vendors and food throughout the weekend.

For Kamloopa Powwow president Loreena Seymour, reaching the 45-year milestone represents decades of commitment from community members and organizers who helped build the event into what it is today.

“Reaching the 45th annual Kamloopa Powwow is more than just another year on the calendar,” Seymour said. “It represents our resilience, our continuity, culture, and generations of people working together to keep the spirit of the powwow alive.”

The event has become a signature event for Kamloops, a place where families reconnect and younger generations learn from elders while celebrating culture openly and proudly.

“Many people have grown up attending Kamloopa their entire lives and are now bringing their own children and grandchildren into the arbor,” Seymour said. “That’s the kind of legacy this 45th annual is having for people.”

Planning for the powwow is a year-round effort involving partnerships with sponsors, community members and leadership.

The last two years, organizers have focused on building a framework that can guide future committees.

“We have to create trusting relationships with our community, with our chief and council,” Seymour said. “Being open and transparent helps set a foundation so the next generation of powwow committee members will know exactly what to do when it comes time for them to step into leadership.”

The Kamloopa Powwow has seen significant growth in recent years after organizers worked to strengthen connections within the powwow circuit and attract respected performers and head staff.

Before the current committee took over, Seymour said the powwow “had reached a plateau.” Through expanded networking and community support, the committee has worked to elevate the event’s profile.

Director Colin Stonechild said organizers want to continue building Kamloopa Powwow’s reputation as one of the premier powwows in the country.

“Our mission is to be great hosts,” Stonechild said. “We want to highlight Kamloopa Powwow as one of the greatest powwows in Canada, a real destination place for people to come and share their song and dance and enjoy the great Interior of British Columbia.”

Seymour added that the event has long attracted families and participants travelling from Eastern Canada and the United States.

“Kamloops is already a destination place to visit, and it has become a destination powwow to be at,” she said.

The committee has focused its efforts in making this event a place where everyone is welcome to attend and experience the celebration.

“I think it’s important for us to be welcoming and inviting to everyone,” Seymour said. “It’s important to celebrate the resilience of Secwépemc people through song and dance.”

The powwow also provides an opportunity to support local vendors and artisans.

“We have 75 vendors, local crafters and food vendors,” Stonechild said. “It’s a great time for people to come out, support and enjoy diverse food and culture.”

The Kamloopa Powwow runs June 26–28, 2026, at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour, 345 Powwow Trail. The event is drug- and alcohol-free, with parking available on-site and tickets sold at the gate.