Pow Wows are an expression of culture, pride and identity.  It is a unifying ritual of the young and the old, a recollection of the past and a celebration of the future.  Each of the participants at a Pow Wow has a significant contribution and a role in Native society.  The elders are the carriers of the traditional teachings which are shared with the young and not- so-young.  It is the duty of the learners to respect their elders for the wisdom they hold. Women are highly regarded for they are the bearers of life and ultimately of Native culture. 

Throughout the Pow Wow, one can expect to experience the different cultures of the First Nations.  Thousands of dancers, singers, drummers, elders, traditional teachers, craftsmen, food vendors converge from throughout North America to participate in the excitement.  The Pow Wow begins each day with a grand entry entourage led by a flag bearer carrying the eagle staff - the traditional flag.  At this time, the drum begins to reverberate and all are beckoned to remain standing and to remove their hats for the Flag Song and the Veteran’s Song.  The honour to sing the Flag Song and the Veteran’s Song is bestowed upon the host drum.  The eagle staff is held high above the ground, as the flag bearer dances in a clockwise pattern from east to west around the dance arena.  Behind the flag bearer, war veterans parade while carrying the Canadian and American flags.  Trailing behind the flag bearers are the lead female and lead male dancers.  Behind the lead dancers are the Indian Princesses, followed by the host of the Pow Wow.  In single file come the male traditional dancers, fancy shawl dancers and last, but not least, the girl dancers.