Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow set to return June 13 and 14
Smiths Falls council has approved a one-time allocation of $40,000 to help cover a funding shortfall for the 2026 Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow, ensuring the annual event can proceed as planned this weekend.
The decision came during the June 8 committee of the whole meeting after Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark asked for additional support following lower-than-anticipated grant funding.
“So further to my director’s update recently of last month, I’m unfortunately back with the proverbial cap in hand as it relates to the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow,” Clark told council.
According to a staff report, the powwow is projected to cost approximately $71,000 this year. The town has secured about $26,000 in external funding and had previously approved a $5,000 contribution through the 2026 operating budget, leaving a funding gap of approximately $40,000.
The report noted that the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow has become an important annual cultural event in Smiths Falls and reflects the municipality’s commitment to reconciliation, cultural awareness and community building.
“The event provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, music, dance, and teachings in an inclusive and welcoming environment,” the report stated.
In 2025, the event cost approximately $68,000, with about $65,000 covered through external grants and community partnerships. Based on that success, staff pursued several funding opportunities for 2026 but received significantly less support than anticipated.
“Overall grant funding available to support cultural programming has become increasingly competitive,” the report stated.
Two additional grant applications totalling $20,000 remain under consideration. However, decisions on those applications are not expected until after the powwow takes place.
Clark said cancelling or significantly reducing the event at this stage would affect programming and relationships that have been built with Indigenous participants and partners.
“Planning is well underway, commitments have been made to performers and participants, and the event has become an anticipated cultural gathering for both the community and Indigenous partners,” the report stated.
Coun. Peter McKenna supported the request, noting that council had previously endorsed the event and understanding that any future grant funding would help offset the town’s contribution.
Coun. Chris McGuire said the situation highlighted the need to reconsider how the event is funded in future years.
“I just, the grant funding’s drying up,” McGuire said. “I think it’d be good in the future budget to set aside some of the one per cent community grant funding toward this. And then if we don’t end up using it, we’ve got it.”
Coun. Dawn Quinn also voiced support but suggested council review the process after the event concludes.
“I’m supporting this for sure,” Quinn said. “I think after it’s over with, let’s have a good look so we don’t end up in this sort of a situation again.”
Chief Administrative Officer Malcom Morris agreed that a different budgeting approach may be needed moving forward.
“I think it will take a different approach to budgeting,” Morris said. “We kind of banked on the track record we’ve had, but as we’ve learned, it’s not a given.”
He said future budgets may need to account for the possibility that grant funding could fall short, with any successful applications used to reduce the municipality’s contribution rather than fill an unexpected gap.
The additional funding will be drawn from the town’s Tax Stabilization Reserve. Should the remaining grant applications be approved, staff will report back to council and apply those funds to offset the town’s contribution wherever permitted.
The Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow is scheduled for June 13 and 14 at Duck Island just off Abbott Street.
“We’re aiming for noon on Saturday,” Clark told council. “Everyone is invited.”
While rain is in the forecast for part of the weekend, Clark said the event will proceed rain or shine.
“We do have lots of tents,” she said. “Hopefully, we’ll see you there.”
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