Pow Wow — Festival of Indigenous Cultures
Encounter with Indigenous Cultures at the Château de Dampierre
About Pow Wow
A Festival Dedicated to Indigenous Cultures
The Pow Wow of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne is a rare cultural event in France, entirely devoted to Indigenous traditions and cultures. Organized within the majestic setting of the Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, this festival allows the French public to discover and interact with authentic representatives of the Indigenous peoples of America.
Indigenous Dancers and Musicians
About ten Indigenous people from Canada and Ecuador make the journey to Charente-Maritime to present their traditional dances and ancestral music. Dressed in traditional costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and fringes, the dancers perform sacred and ceremonial dances accompanied by songs and drums.
Cultural Exchanges
Beyond the performances, the festival offers genuine exchange sessions between visitors and Indigenous representatives. These moments allow for a better understanding of their history, traditions, relationship with nature, and their current struggles to preserve their culture and lands.
Crafts and Gastronomy
Stands of Indigenous crafts offer traditional objects: jewelry, dreamcatchers, drums, pipes, clothing, and art objects. A book stand allows for deeper knowledge about Indigenous cultures. Food options include Tex-Mex specialties and refreshments.
An Exceptional Heritage Setting
The Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, a historical monument from the 15th century, provides a unique setting to host this intercultural event, creating a fascinating dialogue between French heritage and Indigenous cultures.
Pow Wow — edition 2026
5th edition of the Pow Wow — Festival of Amerindian Cultures on July 18 and 19, 2026, in the gardens of the Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne (17). About ten representatives from 7 Amerindian nations from Canada, the United States, and Ecuador share sacred dances, drum songs, Andean music, crafts, and exchanges, in a family-friendly and festive atmosphere.
5th edition on July 18 and 19, 2026
For its 5th edition, the Pow Wow welcomes about ten participants from 7 different Amerindian nations, coming from Canada, the United States, and Ecuador, to the Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne. The majority of participants speak French, facilitating encounters and exchanges with the public.
Two days of First Nations cultures
On the program: grand ceremonial entrances, traditional and collective dances (with public participation on Sunday), sacred drum songs performed by the RedTail Spirit Singers group (Canada), concert by the Raza Inka group (contemporary Andean sound, Ecuador), craft market, book stand, and time for exchange with Amerindian representatives. A Tex-Mex food truck (Saturday evening only) and a refreshment stand complete the event.
In addition, an exhibition « Quelques pas avec les Amérindiens » (A Few Steps with the Amerindians) is inaugurated on Thursday, July 16, at the Villeneuve-la-Comtesse library (free, no reservation required), and a dream catcher creation workshop led by Canadian participants takes place on Saturday afternoon (limited places). A rare cultural, family, and educational event in France, set in the historic context of the castle.
Programme Pow Wow 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026 (from 6:30 PM)
- ~7:30 PM — Grand ceremonial entrance
- Traditional and collective dances
- Sacred drum songs by RedTail Spirit Singers (Canada)
- Concert by Raza Inka (contemporary Andean sound, Ecuador)
- Tex-Mex food truck (Amerindian dishes, vegetarian options), craft market, book stand, refreshment stand
Sunday, July 19, 2026 (from 2 PM)
- ~2:45 PM — Grand ceremonial entrance
- Traditional dances, with open public participation
- Time for exchange with Amerindian representatives
- Craft market, « Jeux de Pages » book stand, free-price refreshment stand
Alongside the festival
- Thursday, July 16 — Opening of the exhibition « Quelques pas avec les Amérindiens » (A Few Steps with the Amerindians), Villeneuve-la-Comtesse library (free, no reservation required)
- Saturday, July 18, 2 PM-4 PM — Dream catcher creation workshop led by Canadian participants (35 €/person, 15 places max, HelloAsso reservation)
Highlights Pow Wow 2026
- About ten representatives from 7 Amerindian nations (Canada, United States, Ecuador)
- Sacred drum songs by RedTail Spirit Singers and Andean concert by Raza Inka
- Dream catcher workshop and photo exhibition « Quelques pas avec les Amérindiens » (A Few Steps with the Amerindians)
- Historic setting of the Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, family atmosphere
Prices Pow Wow 2026
Practical information — Pow Wow
Practical Information
Location
Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne
17470 Dampierre-sur-Boutonne
Dates
3rd weekend of July (Saturday and Sunday)
Hours
- Saturday: from 6 PM
- Sunday: from 2 PM
Access
- By car: from Saintes or Saint-Jean-d'Angély, direction Dampierre-sur-Boutonne
- Free parking near the castle
- Signage from the village center
Prices
- Paid entry (price to be confirmed)
- Activities included
- Food and crafts on site
On the program
- Traditional Indigenous dances
- Ancestral music and songs
- Exchange and sharing sessions
- Indigenous crafts
- Specialized book stand
- Tex-Mex food
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Where does it take place — Pow Wow
Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne
Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, 17470 Dampierre-sur-Boutonne