Annual Sault College powwow celebrates sharing of cultures

Sault College invites the community to attend and participate in its annual powwow taking place Saturday in the school's Health and Wellness Centre gym. 

This year’s theme is "Gchi’inendandaa Wiijgaabwitaadying," which means “Let’s Be Proud Standing Together."

Building on that theme, a sacred fire will be lit at sunrise on Feb. 10 outside of the health centre in the “Wiigwaasgamig” Birch Bark House. Fire keepers will be Levi Laundrie and Greg Boissoneau.

The Grand Entry will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a free community feast at 4:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The evening Grand Entry takes place 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 Elders-in-Residence Barbara Nolan and Ted Recollet, 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. There will also be many Indigenous craft vendors with a wide variety of handcrafted leatherwork, beading, moccasins and jewelry.

Food vendors will offer traditional Indigenous foods and will operate throughout the event.

Parking is free anywhere on campus.