Paawidigong: The Place of the Rapids
Dryden is located on traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Metis people of Treaty Three. The Anishinaabe are the original caretakers of this land and called this place Paawidigong, meaning place of the rapids which is now known as Dryden. This land is important to the people of Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake First Nation), Waabigonii Zaaga'igan (Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation) as well as the Metis people of the area and the residents of Dryden.
Traditional Powwow
Celebrating Indigenous Culture
Each summer, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Eagle Lake First Nation host vibrant traditional Pow Wows on the shores of Wabigoon Lake and Eagle Lake. In addition to these gatherings, Dryden also hosts The Leonard Sky Memorial Powwow at Dryden High School and The National Indigenous People's Day Powwow, these events are beautiful celebrations of culture and welcome visitors from across Canada and are open for all to attend.
2026 Powwow Schedule
Check out the powwow being held locally and around the region in 2026
- The Leonard Sky Memorial Powwow
May 29th, 2026 - Dryden High School
- Lake of the Eagles Traditional Powwow:
July 31 - August 2, 2026 - Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake) First Nation
- Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Pow Wow
August 28 - 30, 2026 - Waabigonii Zaaga'igan (Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation)
Indigenous Arts and Artifacts
Dryden & District Museum
Indigenous art and artifacts - See a variety of stone tools and beautiful beadwork. Learn about pre-European fishing and hunting traditions that extend to modern day at one of The Dryden & District Museum's permanent exhibits.
Dryden Native Friendship Centre
74 Queen St, Dryden, ON, P8N 1A4
Founded in 1984 to provide a gathering place and serve the needs of the Indigenous people in Dryden and surrounding area, the Dryden Native Friendship Centre (DNFC) has become an active, thriving Urban Indigenous Hub Agency, a Gathering Place in the City of Dryden, that also provides outreach services to the community of Wabigoon and municipality of Machin.
Metis Nations of Ontario - Dryden Office
34B King Street Dryden, ON, P8N 1B3
Connect with the Métis Nations of Ontario right here in Dryden. Visit the MNO office to learn about Métis identity, culture, and community supports, and find out about programs, resources and events available for Métis citizens in the area.
Contact Us
City of Dryden
30 Van Horne Avenue, Dryden
Ontario P8N 2A7
Phone: (807) 223-2225 ext. 159
Email: tourism@dryden.ca