It was a day of dance and celebration of culture in Rama First Nation on Saturday as thousands attended the 39th annual Rama Powwow at the John Snake Memorial Community multi-purpose grounds.

“This powwow gives people the opportunity to experience what’s happening in our culture that they might not otherwise be aware of,” says Lise Kwekkeboom, one of the event’s organizers.

The Rama Powwow featured all-day activities, food and dancing, but most importantly it was an opportunity for Indigenous people to socialize, dance, sing and honor their beloved culture.

Over the years, the Rama Powwow has grown in size and is now one of the largest and most popular powwows in all of Ontario.

“We have dancers and even spectators who have come from all over Ontario to participate in the powwow,” said Kwekkeboom OrilliaMatters.

This year’s powwow attracted around 300 participants and will attract thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.

For Brandon Ingram, one of the many dancers who took part in the event, this year’s Rama Powwow was a first.

“For me, this powwow is an opportunity to get out and enjoy and celebrate my culture with a lot of other people,” Ingram said.

The Rama Powwow continues on Sunday with dancing starting at noon.