(Sault Ste. Marie, ON February 6, 2024) – Sault College is proud to continue the tradition of hosting its annual powwow on campus. This year’s powwow, happening on February 10, 2024, in the College’s Health and Wellness Centre gym, will be an exciting, free day of cultural celebration. This year’s theme is“Gchi’inendandaa Wiijgaabwitaadying” meaning, “Let’s Be Proud Standing Together”. Everyonefromnear and far are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in this amazing cultural experience.
Building on the theme of “Gchi’inendandaa Wiijgaabwitaadying”, a sacred fire will be lit at sunrise on Saturday, February 10. The sacred fire will be held outside of the Health and Wellness Centre in Sault College’s Fire Arbour “Wiigwaasgamig” Birch Bark House. Firekeepers will be Levi Laundrie and Greg Boissoneau.
The Grand Entry will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a free and delicious community feast taking place at 4:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The excitement will continue with the evening Grand Entry at 6 p.m.
The powwow will feature the Host Drum, Bear Creek as well as Co-host Drum, Nimkii Aankwat and Invited Drums, Giigidoo Nimkii and Under the Pines from Obadjiwan First Nation. Other special guests include Barbara Nolan and Ted Recollet our Elders-in-Residence, Joel Syrette as Master of Ceremonies, Kevin Syrette as Arena Director, and William Morin as Head Veteran. The Head Dancers will be Georgia Abel and Wiingashk Shawana.
The powwow will feature traditional drums, as well as dancers in full regalia who will share their skill and cultural expression through dance. There will also be many Indigenous craft vendors with a wide variety of handcrafted leatherwork, beading, moccasins, and jewelry.
Food vendors will be offering traditional Indigenous foods and will operate throughout the event.
Parking is free anywhere on campus. We hope to see you there!
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