POWWOW FOR HEALING. The Gathering of the Waters Powwow is the first community powwow held in Eau Claire in years. Slated for Sept. 21 at Carson Park, it is free to attend and open to all. (Carson Park photo by Andrea Paulseth | Dancer photos via UW-Eau Claire)

For the first time since 2019, a community traditional powwow will be held in Eau Claire this fall, largely thanks to a grant and the newly formed Supporting Indigenous Peoples Mayo Employee Resource Group.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11am-6pm, Carson Park will host the Gathering of the Waters Powwow. Indigenous artist workshops, educational resources and a health fair, and the main event powwow are all free to attend, with the powwow Grand Entry slated for 1pm. Organizers said they are aiming to prioritize three focal points at the Gathering of the Waters Powwow: A safe space for community healing; mental health; and cultural humility and sensitivity resources.

Sami Taylor, one of the powwow organizers, said the last public powwow in the city was likely about five years ago, hosted by UW-Eau Claire’s Native American Student Organization.

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if you have always wondered what the proper protocol is to attend, this is your chance to learn. ... A powwow signifies healing, celebration, and community building.

sami taylor

ORGANIZER, MEMBER OF THE LAC COURTE ORIELLES LAKE SUPERIOR OJIBWE BAND

“Eau Claire was a historical meeting site for various Native American Tribes, including but not limited to the Ojibwe, Menomonie, (and) Ho-Chunk,” Taylor said. “… We hope to educate the community on how to attend a powwow; if you have always wondered what the proper protocol is to attend, this is your chance to learn.”

Taylor also noted Eau Claire’s central location to the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state – including the Lac Courte Oreilles Lake Superior Ojibwe Band, which Taylor is a member of – and area history details it as a meeting place for tribes to settle disputes, strengthen family ties, and protect themselves from colonization efforts.

The Gathering of the Waters Powwow’s educational and informational booths will be set up by local organizations and student volunteers, and will include inter-tribal dances and artist workshops. The latter will allow attendees to learn more about tribes’ use of art as an expression and tool for healing: Workshops will include beadwork, acrylics, and breath-focused healing techniques.

Organizers describe the upcoming event as an “inclusive powwow for healing,” which they explained means all are welcome regardless of their backgrounds, experiences, or beliefs. “A powwow signifies healing, celebration, and community building,” Taylor said.

Invited Drums: Smokeytown (Host Drum); Tomahawk Circle; Wind Eagle.

Head Staff: John Teller Jr. (Emcee); Ronnie Preston (Arena Director); Gary Quaderer Sr. (Head Veteran); Michelle Reed (Head Female Dancer); Shane Mitchell (Head Male dancer); Rick St. Germaine (Speaker).

Artists: Jennifer Gouge (Indigenous futurism); Kelly “Zhaawan” Martinson (mixed media); Hunter Reed (hoop dancer); Gary Quaderer Jr. (poetry).

The upcoming September event will be the first sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System, among other local partners and sponsors.

Learn more about the Tribal Nations of Wisconsin on the Department of Public Instruction’s website • The Gathering of the Waters Powwow is free to attend and open to all ages, slated for Sept. 21 from 11am-6pm at Carson Park in Eau Claire • Reach out with inquiries via email