For its second consecutive year, the Gathering of the Waters Powwow returned to the Chippewa Valley from 11am to 6pm on Sept. 20 at the Valley Sports Academy center (1855 125th St., Lake Hallie).

Co-organized by Mayo Clinic Health Systems, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire American Indian Studies (AIS) department, Visit Eau Claire, and the Pablo Foundation — along with other local entities — this free-to-attend celebration of culture aims to restore and strengthen Indigenous identity in the region.

“My hope is for the Gathering of Waters Powwow (to create) a safe space for Native Americans to connect and heal, as it was years ago,” Sami Taylor, a returning powwow organizer with Mayo Clinic, said. “(The) strong foundation of partnerships ensures the event has the community support and resources needed to grow and become a sustainable annual tradition.”

The Grand Entry began around 12pm, a ceremonial introduction to mark the beginning of the powwow. Military veterans, lead dancers, royalty from regional Native nations, and honored guests entered the dance arena in a specific order — led by both an Eagle Staff and flag bearers from those who had served.

Dance specials during the gathering were complemented by Mission Hill, Tomahawk Circle, and Wind Eagle drumming groups. Each of the dance offerings — and their significance to each Nation represented — were introduced by the Gathering of the Waters emcee, Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings, a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe.

The community was welcomed to participate in Inter-Tribal dance invitations, followed by dance specials which featured Tiny Tots dances, Jingle Dress dancers, Men's Woodland style, and recurring dances by Michelle Reed, Hunter Reed and Shane Mitchell.

Food vendors at the powwow included Frybread Factory, Dhimiters and Juice by Tene, among other Chippewa Valley mobile eateries, were in attendance to serve hungry attendees throughout the day.

Among the many organizations and local artisans that set up tables around the room were Mayo Clinic Health Systems, the UW-Eau Claire AIS department and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chippewa Valley.

Intersectional and Indigenous makers — including Jennifer Gouge, Billie Jo Corleone, Art by Zhaawan, Sugar Pine Beads, and Sweet Grass by Heather Stewart — were present during the event with original artwork, beaded jewelry, and other regalia to view and purchase.

Through traditional dance, adornments of regalia, and an assortment of locally-rooted vendors, this gathering continues to ensure Indigenous stories are not only preserved — but are actively passed on through future generations, Sami shared.