First Nations Pavilion withdraws from Folklorama Festival; Brazilian Pavilion moves to Week Two

Due to the impact Manitoba’s wildfire situation is having on its community, organizers of the First Nations Pavilion have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 2025 Folklorama Festival.

Buffy Handel, Executive Director of Neemu-Egwah Inc., the Pavilion’s sponsoring organization, explains, “We deeply value our longstanding relationship with Folklorama and the opportunity it provides to share Indigenous culture with the world. One of the first treaties amongst the original tribes prior to colonization was made with this in mind: ‘We all drink from the same cup.’ We, as Manitobans, must remember to care for one another in our own special way. Each of us holds the capacity to contribute to healing, safety, and well-being.”

Handel goes on to say, “With the province in a state of emergency, Neemu Egwah’s focus must shift to supporting those who have been displaced by the wildfires. Many evacuees are carrying the weight of trauma after being forced to leave their homes. In this moment, it is essential that space, safety, and extra care be given to those most affected.”

Folklorama Executive Director Teresa Cotroneo adds, “While we’re disappointed that the First Nations Pavilion won’t be part of our Festival this year, we stand with them in their decision. The wildfire situation is having a tremendous impact on our neighbours and the well-being of those affected must come first.”

In light of emergency response efforts, another change to the Festival will see the Brazilian Pavilion move from Week One (August 3-9) to Week Two (August 10 – 16) and relocate from the third floor of the RBC Convention Centre’s south building to the second floor of the north building. This adjustment is necessary to accommodate the province’s emergency shelter for evacuees.

“Since learning of the province’s needs for the RBC Convention Centre, we’ve worked closely with the Brazilian Pavilion’s organizers to ensure they could remain part of this year’s Festival,” Cotroneo notes. “Moving to a different week comes with logistical challenges, and we’re incredibly grateful for their flexibility. We’ll continue to support them every step of the way.”