(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – February 23, 2017): Algoma University, the Anishinaabe Initiatives Division (AID), and the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA) welcome everyone to come and indulge in indigenous culture and customs at the 12th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning at the George Leach Centre (GLC) at Algoma University on Saturday, March 4th and Sunday, March 5th, 2017.
“The two-day event is a gathering and celebration of Anishinaabe culture through a variety of traditional and contemporary events,” said Melissa Agawa, Anishinaabe Cultural and Social Program Coordinator at Algoma U. “The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an inclusive event that attracts guests of different cultural backgrounds and heritages, who by participating, will gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of Anishinaabe culture, beliefs, and traditions.”
Grand entries will take place on Saturday, March 4th at 1:00pm and 7:00pm and on Sunday, March 5th at 12:00pm. A feast will be held on March 4th at 5:00pm. There will also be a variety of Anishinaabe crafts and traditional food vendors located onsite at the GLC. The master of ceremonies for the weekend-long celebration will be Keith Smith of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa. Host drum duties will be handled by Bear Creek from Sault Ste. Marie. Co-host drum Battle Nation from Thunder Bay. The head veteran is Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island.
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an initiative that was started by SASA 12 years ago and has become one of the largest pow wows in the immediate Algoma region due to the generous support of various community sponsors such as the Indian Friendship Centre, Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Urban Indigenous Youth for Change, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre, and Neech ke When Homes.
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.
For more information, please contact Melissa Agawa at 705-949-2301, Ext. 4816 or at [email protected].
Admission and parking is free, and all events are open to the public
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