4th Annual
RLC Pow Wow

Sharing in the spirit of Indigenous culture and teachings

June 7, 2024
On the campus of Rosseau Lake College
1967 Bright Street, Rosseau Ontario
11:30 informal Grand Entry
2:30 Closing
‍

The Rosseau Lake College Pow Wow began as a student initiative and has grown into an annual celebration bringing together members of all of our local and shared communities. The school Pow Wow allows for the Indigenous students to share their heritage and traditions while fostering an understanding of Indigenous culture. Now in its fourth year, the Pow Wow has quickly become a cherished day for the RLC Community hosted on Campus every Spring. This year's Pow Wow is honoring the Water.

Pow Wows are social gatherings that honor Indigenous Culture throughout Turtle Island. In 2019, Courtney Tabobondung '20 used her Grade 12 Discovery project to imagine, organize and host RLC’s first ever Pow Wow. “I wanted to find a way to enhance the Indigenous culture at Rosseau and to bring more awareness to Indigenous people,” she says. “I felt that Rosseau needed a breath of fresh air, and for the Indigenous students that they were bringing to Rosseau to be seen ... to make them feel appreciated and seen.”

“It was stressful, seeing everybody roll in on the day of that Pow Wow,” she admits. “But it was an amazing feeling. Like something I’d never felt before. Just seeing all of the cultural representation on the field that day, and seeing everybody come together to celebrate. To dance and sing and do their own thing. It was quite amazing to see.”

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and experience the atmosphere of a Pow Wow. Teachings are shared and participation is encouraged to join in and dance to the heart of the big drum. There are craft vendors, spot dances, potato dance, with prizes to be won. A cold lunch will be provided for a small donation with proceeds in support of this year's Pow Wow.

RLC is looking forward to having Deina Bomberry return as our Emcee, and also returning is the Youth Drum Group “Indian Road” as host drum. The youth are our neighbors of the surrounding First Nation Communities. Sadie Turner 23’ will be our head female dancer this year and we are looking forward to seeing her back on campus.  With the help of the Seven Generations Committee made up of RLC students, along with faculty and staff, it is a team effort for the success of the day.