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Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow kicks off in June

The event will take place at the George Leach Centre in Algoma University on June 4 and 5
2019-03-02 Algoma U Pow Wow DMH-4
Donna Hopper/SooToday

Algoma University has announced that the16th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow will be held in person. Sault residents are invited to attend the event dedicated to Indigenous culture, which includes traditional drumming, singing, and competition dancing. There will be Indigenous artisans, craftsmen and traders displaying and selling their work.

The event will take place at the George Leach Centre (GLC) in Algoma University. It will run from June 4 to June 5.

For more information, read the press release below:

The 16th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is being held in person in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, since the coronavirus pandemic swept over Ontario. The Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA), Anishinaabe Academic Resource Centre (AARC), Anishinaabe Peoples Council and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig at Algoma University, in partnership with the greater Anishinaabe community, welcome everyone to attend and indulge in Indigenous culture, which includes traditional drumming, singing, and competition dancing. Indigenous artisans, craftsmen and traders will be displaying and selling their work at the 16th annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning. It will take place at the George Leach Centre (GLC) located on the campus of Algoma University. The event will run from Saturday, June 4, to Sunday, June 5, 2022.

“After a two-year absence from hosting the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow on the Algoma University campus, we are thrilled to gather in person once again for this highly anticipated event. This gathering has always been a special celebration of Anishinaabe traditions and culture, and we invite everyone to join us as we share in this celebration,” said Paul Sayers, manager of Indigenous community relations, training and development at Algoma University.

“SASA is excited about adding this year’s drum contest and Junior Adult dance categories. We intended to ensure the legacy of our past SASA Executives' dreams and vision for the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow remained intact while infusing this with the 2021-2022 SASA Executives' vision of growth for this annual event,” said Angela Trudeau, who has been SASA president since 2021. 

“Our dream, as self-identified students, is the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow maintains its momentum and growth that is inviting guests from all corners of turtle island to enjoy friendly competition, amazing singing and dancing while soaking in the beauty of the extremely important site and legacy of our Anishinaabek nations, at Bawating. We are extremely thankful for this year’s generous partnerships from our local Anishinaabe community,” Trudeau added. 

The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow Committee is proud to announce an incredible line-up of invited guests to celebrate and dance off the two-year COVID hiatus. Master of Ceremonies for the weekend-long celebration includes Joel Syrette with Jason Whitehouse. Cree Confederation from Treaty 6 territory will rock this year's host drum duties with Bear Creek from Batchewana First Nation co-hosting. Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island will oversee Head veteran responsibilities. Arena Director responsibilities have been passed to Jose Quintero, while Head Drum Judge Kevin Syrette will lead the drum contest. The pow wow committee also welcomes husband-wife duo, Joseph and Heather Schuyler-Syrette as this year's Head Dance judges.

Grand entries will take place on Saturday, June 4, at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 5, at noon. A feast will be held on Saturday, June 4, at 5 p.m. We encourage you to bring your feast bundles. There will also be a variety of Anishinaabe crafts and traditional food vendors located onsite at the GLC. 

The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an event started by SASA 16 years ago and has become one of the largest pow wows in the immediate Algoma region. This honour and recognition is a result of the generous support of various community sponsors such as Anishinaabe Peoples Council, Garden River First Nation, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre, Neech Ke Wehn Homes, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, Algoma University Alumni, Cathy Syrette and Family, Turtle Concepts, Chi-We-Kwe-Don Fish and Chips, 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. Canned food donations for Algoma University’s Food Pantry are greatly appreciated.

For more information, please contact Melissa Agawa at 705-949-2301, ext. 4816, or at [email protected].

 


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