Powwow nominated for tourism awards
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A first-year event designed to bridge cultural gaps in the Central Plains region has earned two major provincial nominations in the 2026 Manitoba Tourism Awards.
The Prairie Unity Powwow, held last December at Stride Place, is a finalist for both the Social Impact Award and the Indigenous Tourism Event of the Year. The nominations, overseen by Travel Manitoba and the province’s economic development department, recognize the event’s success in fostering inclusivity and celebrating Indigenous culture.
“We got nominated for a brand-new event, and not for one, but for two,” said Callie McArthur, tourism and marketing co-ordinator with Portage Regional Economic Development (PRED). “I think the more we embrace the Indigenous culture that has already been around us for so long and bring it to the forefront, we’re moving in the right direction.”
A dancer at the first Prairie Unity Powwow at Stride Place. The powwow has been nominated for two major provincial nominations in the 2026 Manitoba Tourism Awards. (G Loewen Photography)
The event was a landmark collaboration between the City of Portage la Prairie, Long Plain First Nation and Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation. Organizers worked for months to co-ordinate the free, community-funded gathering, which saw high attendance despite inclement weather.
Ralph Francis, chair of the powwow committee, said the nominations validate the hard work of the three neighbouring communities.
“It’s something we can look forward to in this region, that we’ve accomplished something that was good for all three communities,” Francis said. “I want to thank all the committee members. (We) sat and worked together for several months to make this happen.”
McArthur noted the Social Impact Award is particularly meaningful as it recognizes the event’s commitment to being accessible and educational. She credited the committee’s guiding philosophy: “Putting the unity in community.”
While organizers are currently working on details for future iterations, the success of the inaugural powwow has set a high bar for truth and reconciliation efforts in the region.
“The momentum we have, I hope it just keeps going,” McArthur said.
» Portage Graphic Leader