Annual Powwow celebrates love and unity

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COLLEGE
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‘Love and Unity’ will fill the air on Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Sault College’s annual Powwow taking place in the College’s Health and Wellness Centre!

Sault College is proud to continue the tradition of hosting the Pow Wow on campus and, once again, partner with the Bon Soo Winter Festival! The event, hosted by Sault College’s Indigenous Student Union and the School of Indigenous Studies and Academic Upgrading, will be an exciting, free weekend of celebration Anishinaabe style!

Building on the theme of ‘Love and Unity’, a Sacred Fire will be lit on Saturday, Feb. 8 and will continue to burn until Sunday, Feb. 9. The Sacred Fire will be held outside of the Health and Wellness Centre in Sault College’s Fire Arbour Wiigwaasgamig Birch Bark House.

The Grand Entry will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 followed by a free, delicious feast at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria. The excitement will continue with the evening Grand Entry at 7 p.m. The Grand Entry on Sunday, Feb. 9 will take place at 1 p.m.

The Powwow will feature the host drum Good Time Ojibway (Bawating) as well as co-host Badger Hill from local First Nations. Other special guests include: Barbara Nolan and Ted Recollet as head elders, Beej Syrette as arena director, and Bnaaswi Biiaaswah as head veteran, Joel Syrette as master of ceremonies. The head dancers will be determined each session.

Back by popular demand Mr. Bon Soo and Corby the Sault College Cougar, dressed in full regalia, will showcase their unique dance style in a dance-off challenge on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.

The dancing won’t stop there! A women’s jingle dress and men’s grass dance special will take place on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Dancers will showcase their dance styles for first, second and third place prizes.

And, in honour of the theme ‘Love and Unity’, international students will share some of their dance styles on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in this amazing cultural experience. The Powwow will feature traditional drums, as well as dancers in full regalia who will share their skill and cultural expression through dance. There will also be many Indigenous craft vendors with a wide variety of handcrafted leatherwork, beading, moccasins, and jewelry.

Food vendors will be offering a wide selection of traditional Indigenous foods and will operate throughout the event.

Parking is free anywhere on campus.

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