(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – February 28, 2020): Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA) and Anishinaabe Initiatives Division (AID) of Algoma University welcome everyone to come and indulge in indigenous culture and customs at the 15th annual ‘Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning’, taking place at the George Leach Centre (GLC) located on the campus of Algoma University from Saturday, March 7th to Sunday, March 8th, 2029.
“The two-day event is a time for us to gather, dance, sing and honour the traditions and culture of our ancestors,” said Melissa Agawa, Anishinaabe Cultural and Social Program Coordinator at Algoma University. “The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an inclusive event for everyone to gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture, beliefs, and traditions.”
Grand entries will take place on Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Sunday, March 8th at 12:00 PM. A feast will be held on March 7th at 5:00 PM. There will also be a variety of Anishinaabe crafts and traditional food vendors located onsite at the GLC.
The Master of Ceremonies for the weekend-long celebration will be Joel Syrette of Batchewana First Nation. We are glad to announce Smokey Town from Menominee Nation as our host drum and Bear Creek from Batchewana First Nation as our co-host drum. The head veteran is Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island.
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an initiative that was started by SASA 15 years ago and has become one of the largest Pow Wows’ in the immediate Algoma region. This honour is a result of the generous support of various community sponsors such as the Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre, Neech ke Wehn Homes, Algoma University Alumni, Cathy Syrette and Family, Chummy’s Grill, and Quality Inn and Suites
Out of town participants are encouraged to stay at the host hotel, Quality Inn and Suites Bay Front. To book a room, please call 1.800.567.4421 and request the “Gathering at the Rapids” rate.
Admission and parking are free, and all events are open to the public. For more information, please contact Melissa Agawa at 705-949-2301, Ext. 4816 or at [email protected].
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