Dancing for all ages (17 photos)

A well-attended Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow began Saturday at Algoma University's George Leach Centre.

This marks the eleventh straight year the Pow Wow has been held, and continues Sunday.

There is no charge for admission.

"It started off small and when the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Association formed, we really got serious about showing the community of Sault Ste. Marie what this competition Pow Wow is all about," said Cathy Syrette, a Batchewana First Nation member and Indigenous Friendship Centre executive director, speaking to SooToday Saturday.

Syrette, who is also a Gathering at the Rapids organizer, estimated about 500 people were in attendance Saturday afternoon.

Attendees included not only members of Batchewana and Garden River First Nations and the urban aboriginal community, but also visitors from Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.

Several drum groups were in attendance, including Sault Ste. Marie's own Bear Creek and co-host drum group Charging Horse of Peterborough.

There were dancing competitions for children, teens, adults and seniors (with cash prizes), and a non-competitive "tiny tots" dance.

Several vendors were on hand with native arts and crafts for sale, as well as food.

The Pow Wow's first grand entry ceremony came at 1 p.m. Saturday, with two others scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. Sunday.

A feast was scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.

"Everybody is more than welcome to come and see our dancers celebrate and watch the healthy competition going on between the dancers," Syrette said.