Sault College to host pow wow this weekend

Sault College will once again host its annual pow wow this weekend after a two-year hiatus.

The cultural celebration will take place Sept. 10 in the college's Health and Wellness Centre. Grand entry begins at 12 p.m. and will be followed by a free feast in the cafeteria. Evening grand entry is set for 7 p.m. 

Food vendors will be offering Indigenous foods during the event. 

Additional information can be found in the following news release from Sault College: 

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON September 8, 2022) – Sault College is excited to once again be hosting our pow wow for the first time in two years! This year’s theme is “Maamawizidaa” meaning, Let’s All Come Together. The pow wow will take place at Sault College on Saturday, September 10 in the College’s Health and Wellness Centre! Everyone from near and far are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in this amazing cultural experience.

Sault College is proud to continue the tradition of hosting the pow wow on campus. The event, hosted by Sault College’s Indigenous Student Union and the School of Indigenous Studies and Academic Upgrading, will be an exciting, free day of cultural celebration!

Building on the theme of “Maamawizidaa”, a sacred fire will be lit at sunrise on Saturday, September 10.  The sacred fire will be held outside of the Health and Wellness Centre in Sault College’s Fire Arbour “Wiigwaasgamig” Birch Bark House. Firekeeper will be Levi Ross.

The Grand Entry will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 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 pow wow will feature the Host Drum, Bear Creek as well as Co-host Drum, Under the Pines from Obadjiwan First Nation. Other special guests include Barbara Nolan our Elder-in-Residence, Joel Syrette as Master of Ceremonies, Dion Syrette as Arena Director, and William Morin as Head Veteran. The Head Dancers will be Kristol Abel and Naakwam Shawanda.

The pow wow 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 traditional Indigenous foods and will operate throughout the event.

Parking is free anywhere on campus. We hope to see you there!