CGON 2026 Event Details
September 17–20, 2026 | Ovintiv Events Centre | Dawson Creek, BC
Admission Free
CGON is a drug and alcohol free event. Admission is free for everyone. Gates open at 9:00 AM daily.
Join us for four days of culture, competition, and community.
Register to Compete at CGON 2026
Registration is open for the CGON 2026 Powwow and Hand Games Tournament. Apply now to secure your spot. Spots are limited.
Powwow
The CGON 2026 Powwow features competitive dance and drumming
across multiple categories for all ages and dance styles.
Powwow Dance Categories
Tiny Tots — Ages 0–6
Junior Girls — Ages 7–12 Fancy, Traditional, Jingle
Junior Boys — Ages 7–12 Fancy, Traditional, Grass, Chicken
Teen Girls — Ages 13–18 Fancy, Traditional, Jingle
Teen Boys — Ages 13–18 Fancy, Traditional, Grass, Chicken
Junior Women — Ages 19–35 Fancy, Traditional, Jingle
Junior Men — Ages 19–35 Fancy, Traditional, Grass, Chicken
Senior Women — Ages 36–55 Fancy, Traditional, Jingle
Senior Men — Ages 36–55 Fancy, Traditional, Grass, Chicken
Women's Golden Age — Ages 56+
Men's Golden Age — Ages 56+
Terms and Conditions — Powwow Registration
Register For the PowwowBy submitting this application for the Cultural Gathering of Nations event (September 17-20, 2026), I acknowledge and agree to the folloing terms and conditions:
Application Review: I understand that submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance. The Cultural Gathering of Nations organizing committee retains the right to approve or decline any application at their sole discretion.
Performance Details: I will perform only in the categories indicated in this application. I understand any changes must be approved by event organizers.
Liability: I understand that neither the Cultural Gathering of Nations nor the event center is responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury related to my participation as a performer.
Self-Sufficiency: I am responsible for my own transportation, regalia/equipment, and personal needs. Additional information regarding registration, check-in, and competition details will be provided upon approval.
Legal Compliance: I will comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to my participation during the event.
Media Release: I grant the Cultural Gathering of Nations and their designated representatives perpetual, worldwide permission to use, reproduce, and publish any photographs, videos, audio recordings, or other media that include me, my performances, or my representatives for promotional, commercial, educational, and informational purposes in any media format without compensation or further approval.
Conduct: I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner that respects the cultural significance of this event and the traditional protocols of all competition categories.
Cancellation: I understand that more information about cancellation policies will be provided upon acceptance.
Final Authority: I acknowledge that event organizers and competition judges have final authority on all matters pertaining to competitions during the Cultural Gathering of Nations.
By submitting this application, I certify that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by all terms and conditions listed above.
Hand Games
The CGON 2026 Hand Games Tournament brings together teams from across the region to compete in one of the most celebrated traditional games in First Nations culture. Teams of 6 compete in a double knockout format. First team to win all 15 sticks, 2 times is the winner.
Adult team entry fee is $1,000. Youth team entry fee is $500. Age limit is 15 and up.
Hand Games Rules
Register Your Team6 vs 6 | Double Knockout | 15 Sticks
First team to win all 15 sticks, 2 times/sets is the winner.
Timeout and Disqualification Rule
Once a game is announced and two judges are seated, one team of 6 must have all players on the mat. A 10-minute timer begins. If the timer expires, the team starts with whoever is present or forfeits. 1 to 5 players may begin the game. Late arrivals must wait until the opposing team is in a hiding phase to enter.
Dispute Resolution
Captains may agree to replay a disputed shot. Video replay from spectators may be used in the event of a dispute. Judges on the mat make the final decision. Disputes may cost teams sticks.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Any player or team found to be intoxicated will be immediately disqualified. Teams may continue with remaining sober players.
General Rules
- All players must use tokens provided
- 2 judges required at all times
- No sunglasses. No hoodies up
- Token may only be passed when the last player is in play
- No pointing
- Age limit: 15 and up
- 1 alternate player allowed
- ID is required for registration, no ID may result in refused registration
- If teams from different regions are competing and all judges represent only one region, the unrepresented team may request one judge be swapped for a judge from their region
Be respectful and have fun!
Hand Games Tournament
The CGON 2026 Hand Games Tournament is one of the most exciting events of the weekend.
What's Happening at CGON 2026
From competitive powwow and hand games to the Tea Dance and Cultural Teaching Area, there is something for everyone at CGON 2026. Come to compete, come to learn, or simply come to be part of something meaningful.
Tea Dance
The Tea Dance is a community tradition at the heart of CGON. This dance is open to everyone, no experience needed. Come together, move together, celebrate together.
Cultural Teaching Area
The Cultural Teaching Area offers hands-on experiences connecting visitors to traditional knowledge, skills, and First Nations culture.
Open to all attendees throughout the event.
Artisan Marketplace
The CGON Artisan Marketplace features First Nations artists, makers,
and vendors from across the region.
Shop handmade goods, traditional crafts, jewelry, art, and more.
The marketplace is open all four days starting September 17 at 12:00 PM.
Food Vendors
Traditional food vendors and local options are available throughout the event grounds. Find everything from bannock and fry bread to regional specialties.
Date, Time & Location
CGON is a drug and alcohol free event.
Admission is free for everyone. Gates open at 9:00 AM daily.
Event Dates
September 17-20, 2026
Thursday through Sunday
Gates Open
[TBD - confirm with client]
Grand Entry
[TBD - confirm with client]
Getting to Dawson Creek
Ovintiv Events Centre is located at 300 Highway 2 in Dawson Creek, BC. It is easy to reach from both BC and Alberta.
From Fort St. John: Head south on Highway 97 to Dawson Creek. The Events Centre is visible from Highway 2.
From Grande Prairie, AB: Head west on Highway 2 into Dawson Creek. The Events Centre is on your right as you enter the city.