The gymnasium at Algoma University's George Leach Centre was jammed yesterday with vendors, spectators, musicians and brightly adorned dancers for the 6th annual Gathering at the Rapids Pow Wow.
The event's head male dancer, Joel Syrette, has good reason to smile.
Not only is he just an all-around happy guy, he recently returned from Vancouver and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
There, he enjoyed the honour of being one of hundreds of Aboriginal Canadian dancers selected to take part in the Olympic opening ceremonies.
"It was a huge honour to take part in the ceremonies and welcome the world to our country," Syrette told SooToday.com. "To be a part of the acknowledgment of Aboriginal people from across the country was a great experience."
He feels the large Aboriginal presence at the Olympic opening ceremonies is evidence of progress and acceptance among Canadians, and sees the experience as a catalyst to raising Aboriginal awareness on a global level.
Although he admits he waited until the last day to submit his application to participate, Syrette felt he had a good chance to be selected based on his experience with Kanata Native Dance Theatre in Brantford, Ontario.
The Gathering at the Rapids continues today and features Aboriginal vendors, food, dance, and music, including the Bear Creek Singers, the Elk Spirit Singers, Mariah Atatise-Jourdain, Joel Syrette, Nodin Shawanda, and Aiyana Nahwegahbow.