The 16th Annual Rapids Pow Wow Meeting will be held in person at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario since the coronavirus pandemic gripped Ontario. The Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association (SASA), the Anishinaabe Academic Resource Center (AARC), the Anishinaabe Peoples Council and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig at Algoma University, in partnership with the larger Anishinaabe community, invite everyone to participate in and engage in Indigenous culture indulge in it, which includes traditional drumming and singing, and competitive dancing. Local artisans, craftspeople and traders will display and sell their work at the 16th Annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning, taking place at the George Leach Center (GLC) on the Algoma University campus beginning Saturday, April 4. June to Sunday 5 June 2022.
“After a two-year absence from hosting the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow on the Algoma University campus, we are excited to reunite in person for this highly anticipated event. This gathering has always been a special celebration of Anishinaabe traditions and culture and we invite all to join us as we participate in this celebration.” Paul Sayers, Manager, Indigenous Community Relations, Education and Development.
“SASA is excited about the addition of this year’s drumming competition and junior-adult dance categories. We wanted to ensure that the legacy of our previous SASA leaders’ dreams and visions for the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow remains intact while imbuing this with the SASA leaders’ 2021-2022 growth vision for this annual event,” shared Angela Trudeau , 2021, with -2022 SASA President. “Our dream as self-proclaimed students is for the Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow to maintain its momentum and growth, inviting guests from all corners of Turtle Island to enjoy friendly competition, amazing singing and dancing, while also enjoying the beauty of the extreme that matters Place and Legacy of our Anishinaabek Nations in Bawating. We are very grateful for the generous partnerships this year from our local Anishinaabe community.”
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow Committee is proud to announce an incredible lineup of invited guests to celebrate and dance the two-year Covid break. Among the masters of ceremonies for the weekend celebration is Joel Syrette with Jason Whitehouse. Cree Confederation from Treaty 6 territory will rock this year’s host drum duties with Batchewana First Nation’s Bear Creek co-hosting. The Lead Veteran’s responsibilities are overseen by Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island. Arena Director responsibility has been handed over to Jose Quintero, while the drum contest will be overseen by Head Drum Judge Kevin Syrette. The Powwow Committee also welcomes husband and wife Joseph and Heather Schuyler-Syrette as this year’s Head Dance Judges.
The big entries will take place on Saturday 4th June at 1pm and 7pm and Sunday 5th June at 12pm. There will be a party on Saturday 4 June at 5pm, we suggest you bring your party packs. There will also be a variety of Anishinaabe handicraft and traditional food vendors on site at the GLC.
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an event created by SASA 16 years ago and has grown to be one of the largest Pow Wows in the immediate Algoma area. This honor and recognition is a result of the generous support of various community sponsors including 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 attendees 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, all events are open to the public. Canning donations to the Algoma University Food Pantry are greatly appreciated.
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