06/04/2026
The annual Rossbrook House Pow Wow is a cherished tradition. In the early 1980s Millie Stonechild began to work with a group of students at Eagles’ Circle, sharing teachings and culture. In the process, the students began to learn pow wow dancing.
As a thank you to the community, Sister Margaret Hughes (Sisters of Sion), a teacher at Wi Wabigooni, the off-campus elementary school, organized the first Rossbrook House Pow Wow in 1982. Wi Wabigooni students joined dancers from Eagles’ Circle in a church basement, with taped music playing on a cassette player.
The regalia worn by many of the Rossbrook House dancers are a part of the legacy of the Rossbrook House Pow Wow, worn for generations of children and youth. They were first crafted by the students of Wi Wabogooni and a volunteer named Emil Her Many Horses, an Oglala Lakota from South Dakota. Over the years, many participants have learned to bead and make accessories for their regalia.
The participants learn about their Indigenous culture, learn how to Pow Wow dance from experienced dancers during Pow Wow Club leading up to the event, and share their culture with the public. It’s a spectacular event.
From those humble beginnings, the Pow Wow has grown to involve dozens of Rossbrook House participants, drum groups, community dancers, and civic leaders and draws large crowds each year. The event is now held in the field across from 658 Ross, under a big tent, rain or shine. Come join us for Pow Wow 2026 on June 11.
