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’, taking place at the George Leach Centre (GLC) located on the campus of Algoma University from Saturday, June 4th to Sunday, June 5th, 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.” Paul Sayers, Manager, Indigenous Community Relations, Training and Development.

“SASA is excited about the addition of 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,” shared Angela Trudeau, 2021-2022 SASA President. “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.” 

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. Head veteran responsibilities will be overseen by Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island. Arena Director responsibilities have been passed to Jose Quintero while the Drum contest will be overseen by Head Drum Judge Kevin Syrette. 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 4th at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and on Sunday, June 5th at 12:00 PM. A feast will be held on Saturday, June 4th at 5:00 PM, 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 & 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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