Save the Date
21st Annual Gathering at The Rapids
21st Annual Gathering at The Rapids
Saturday, February 13th, 2027
Sunday, February 14th, 2027
Origins back to 2005
The 20th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow traces its origins back to 2005, when it began as a student-led initiative through a partnership between Algoma University’s Anishinaabe Initiatives department and the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association. From its inception, the Pow Wow was envisioned as a celebration of Anishinaabe culture, bringing together community members in a spirit of unity and cultural pride. For nearly two decades, the event was hosted at Algoma University’s George Leach Centre.
Over time, the Pow Wow evolved to include a broader mission (which included a change of venue to the GFL Memorial Gardens): to showcase Algoma University as a welcoming academic environment for prospective Indigenous students and to promote employment opportunities at the university for Indigenous community members. As interest and attendance grew, competition dancing and drumming categories were introduced, offering substantial prize money and drawing skilled performers from across the region. These additions helped transform the Pow Wow into a major competitive event, attracting participants and spectators from throughout the Great Lakes region, both in Canada and the United States.
Call for Vendor Applications: 21st Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow
Algoma University is pleased to announce that the 20th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Lifelong Learning will take place Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, 2027, at GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie.
With continued growth and community participation, we are now inviting craft, food, and information vendors to apply for this two-day celebration of Indigenous culture, learning, and connection.
Vendor Fees:
- Craft Vendors: $300 / weekend (Saturday & Sunday)
- Information Booths: $300 / weekend (Saturday & Sunday)
- Food Vendors: $500 / weekend (Saturday & Sunday)
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a booth.
All applicants must complete the full registration form, and successful vendors will be notified during the week of January 4, 2027.
→ Applications will open: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026
→ Application Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2026
→ Questions? Contact [email protected]
Join us for a weekend of celebration, cultural connection, and shared learning as we honour over two decades of community, tradition, and the continued legacy of gathering at Algoma University.
Volunteers Needed!
Location: GFL Memorial Gardens
Dates: Feb 13-14, 2027
You can sign up through the following form or email Elizabeth Nahwegezhic at [email protected]
Book your rooms at our host hotels for this year’s Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow!
Planning to attend the GATR Pow Wow?
Special discounted accommodation rates will be available for guests.
Booking details and discount information will be shared in December.
Online booking links through the provided QR codes will have the discounted rates automatically applied.
Chief Shingwauk’s Vision and Special Mission
Beyond cultural expression, the Pow Wow serves as a powerful educational moment. It reflects Algoma University’s commitment to promoting Chief Shingwauk’s vision and Special Mission, while also raising awareness about Anishinaabe knowledge systems, enrolment pathways, and employment opportunities at the University.
Each year, this signature event brings together people from across the Great Lakes region in both Canada and the United States, and the 20th Annual Pow Wow promises to be the most vibrant and impactful gathering to date.
20th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Lifelong Learning
The 20th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow marked two decades of celebrating Anishinaabe culture, lifelong learning, and community. Building on the success of previous years, the event welcomed thousands of attendees, bringing together dancers, drummers, singers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artisans, and community members from across the region and beyond. As the largest Pow Wow in the Algoma region, this milestone Gathering reflected 20 years of growth, partnership, and cultural celebration, while continuing to create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and reconciliation.
2nd Annual
2nd Annual City of Brampton & Algoma University Traditional Pow Wow Building on the success of the inaugural event, the 2nd Annual City of Brampton & Algoma University Traditional Pow Wow will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Brampton Soccer Centre.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Brampton, Algoma University’s Anishinaabe Initiatives, the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA), and The Indigenous Network, this free community celebration welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors alike to experience the richness of Indigenous culture through traditional dancing, singing, drumming, Indigenous vendors, and cultural teachings.
The Pow Wow reflects Algoma University’s commitment to its Special Mission by fostering learning, relationship-building, and reconciliation within the Greater Toronto Area.
Event Details Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre, 1495 Sandalwood Parkway East, Brampton, Ontario
Admission: Free and open to everyone