Free powwow-inspired fitness class lands at the NAC this weekend

Amanda Fox is Ojibwe, a lifelong powwow dancer with over three decades of experience, and a cultural advocate sharing Indigenous stories through movement and tradition. This Sunday, she's bringing that practice to the National Arts Centre's Canal Lobby Stage for a free public workout.

The Pow Wow Workout is a 45-minute high-intensity fitness session that pulls powwow dance steps from different traditional styles and layers them with contemporary and traditional powwow music. It's designed as a follow-along experience, accessible to people of all fitness levels. Fox introduces the history and cultural context throughout the session and responds to questions as the class moves.

A powwow itself is a gathering to celebrate First Nations culture through dance, songs, food, and crafts — open to all. This workout translates that energy into an exercise program. Fox created Pow Wow Workout to promote holistic wellness and cultural learning, blending powwow dance, storytelling, and movement-based fitness across Canada through workshops, classes, and community outreach.

No tickets required. The class runs from noon to 1 p.m. on June 15 at the Canal Lobby Stage, 1 Elgin Street. Free to attend.