(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – February 21, 2018): The Anishinaabe Initiatives department of Algoma University and the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA) welcome everyone to come and indulge in Indigenous culture and customs at the 13th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning at the George Leach Centre (GLC) on Saturday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 4th.
“The two-day event is a gathering and celebration of Anishinaabe culture through a variety of traditional and contemporary events,” said Melissa Agawa, Anishinaabe Cultural and Social Program Coordinator at Algoma U. “The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an inclusive event that attracts guests of different cultural backgrounds and heritages, who by participating, will gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture, beliefs, and traditions.”
Grand entries will take place on Saturday, March 3rd at 1:00pm and 7:00pm and on Sunday, March 4th at 12:00pm. A feast will be held on March 4th at 5:00pm. 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. Host drum duties will be handled by Whitefish Bay of Whitefish Bay, ON, and co-hosted by Bear Creak of Batchewana First Nation. The head veteran is Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island.
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an initiative that was started by SASA 13 years ago and has become one of the largest pow wows in the immediate Algoma region due to the generous support of various community sponsors such as Indian Friendship Centre, Metis Nation of Ontario, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre, Neech ke Wehn Homes, and Algoma U Alumni.
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.
For more information, please contact Melissa Agawa at 705-949-2301, Ext. 4816 or at [email protected].
Admission and parking is free, and all events are open to the public.
Share Article
