NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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Algoma University, the Anishinaabe Initiatives Division, and the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students’ Association welcome everyone to come and indulge in indigenous culture and customs at the 14th annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow: Celebrating Life Long Learning, taking place at the George Leach Centre located on the campus of Algoma University from Saturday, March 2 to Sunday, March 3, 2019.
“The two-day event is a gathering and celebration of Anishinaabe culture through drumming, dancing and singing,” said Melissa Agawa, Anishinaabe cultural and social program coordinator at Algoma University. “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 2 at 1 and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, March 3 at 12 p.m. A feast will be held on March 2 at 5 p.m. 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 Joel Syrette of Batchewana First Nation. Host drum duties will be handled by Northern Wind, from Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Bear Creek from Batchewana First Nation will be co-host drum. The head veteran is Walker Stonefish of Walpole Island.
The Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow is an initiative that was started by SASA 14 years ago and has become one of the largest Pow Wows in the immediate Algoma region. This honour is a result of the generous support of various community sponsors such as the Métis Nation of Ontario, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre, Neech ke Wehn Homes, Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation, Nog da win da min Family and Community Services, Algoma University Alumni, Cathy Syrette and Family, Algoma University, Chummy’s Grill, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, Quality Inn and Suites, and Silver Creek Golf Course.
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.
For more information, or to book a vendor, food or information table please contact Melissa Agawa at 705-949-2301, Ext. 4816 or at melissa.agawa@algomau.ca.
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