'BIINDIGEN,' COME IN. On Sept. 19 at the Sonnentag Center in Eau Claire, the Gathering Of The Waters Powwow will return for its third consecutive year. Hosted in part by the region's Native nations and local sponsors, the 2026 offering welcomes new healthcare-focused resources for attendees. (2024 Gathering Of The Waters Powwow, pictured)

As the seasons shift, wild rice harvests begin and local waters flow anew, a regional tradition readies for its return to the sacred lands of the Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk and Dakota Nations. The Gathering Of The Waters Powwow will take place at its new home, the Sonnentag Center, on Saturday, Sept. 19.

From 11am to 6pm – featuring the sacred Grand Entry, slated for 1pm – this free-to-attend offering brings together Indigenous arts and culture, community leaders and supporting local organizations.

According to Sami Taylor, returning Powwow organizer and Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe tribal member, the move back to Eau Claire is best represented as a “homecoming.” 

After all, it was the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire American Indian Studies Program which served as initial host and sponsor for the Eau Claire Powwow (the historic offerings once filled the now demolished Zorn Arena on campus).

2026 Gathering Of The Waters Powwow Featured Guests

Host drum: Crossroads

Invited drum: Tomahawk Circle

Head veteran: Dr. Brian Jackson

Emcee: Ronnie Preston

Arena director: Sugar Shane Webster

Head female dancer: Michelle Reed

Female dance specials: Strap dress and jingle

Head male dancer: Shane Mitchell

Male dance specials: Woodland, traditional

Aztec dance exhibition: Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli

 

This year’s return to Eau Claire – following the 2025 iteration's being hosted in Lake Hallie – honors that partnership and all who wish to see the offering expand.

“Attendees consistently expressed a desire to keep the Powwow in Eau Claire to improve accessibility,” Taylor said. “The event’s success depends on strong community partnerships, thoughtful planning and ensuring the Powwow is conducted with cultural respect and integrity.”

This year's event will feature new dance exhibitions – an Aztec dance will expand the event’s reach to other Indigenous communities of Turtle Island (otherwise known as the Americas) – and honor guests from UW-Eau Claire, Taylor said.

Traditional Indigenous regalia (pictured above), adorned by dancers at a previous Gathering Of The Waters Powwow event, held at the Valley Sports Academy in Lake Hallie.

Sami Taylor has observed growing attendance numbers since Gathering Of The Waters returned to the Chippewa Valley in 2024. Greater accessibility through its new Eau Claire location will be another part of the effort to increase attendance.

Indigenous storyteller Ronie Preston will step into the emcee role this year, a transition from Preston's previous role as the Powwow’s arena director.

Gathering Of The Waters organizers have also focused their attention on expanding the Powwow’s “Health Fair” initiative and have invited new health-focused vendors to participate, Taylor noted.

Regional sponsors – such as Visit Eau Claire, Mayo Clinic Health System, Pablo Foundation, among others – are integral to advance cultural health equity in the Chippewa Valley, education and community responsibility with Native nations.

“Their support creates opportunities for Native communities to share traditions, connect with resources and strengthen visibility throughout the region,” Taylor said.

This Powwow offering, like those before it, does not charge admission or vendor fees, making continued funding support essential for its long term viability. Beyond the Sept. 19 event, active engagement and grant funding from Non-Indigenous organizations will help allow for reciprocal partnerships like Gathering Of The Waters to continue.

Gathering Of The Waters Powwow will be held from 11am-6pm on Sept. 19 at the Sonnentag Center (1075 Menomonie St., Eau Claire) • The event is free to attend • Visit thesonnentag.com to learn more about its itinerary and sponsors