Guests will experience traditional dancing, drumming, singing and more at the 5th Annual Alumni and Student Pow Wow, May 2 at the University of Windsor's Toldo Lancer Centre. (PHOTO BY CHERRY THERESANATHAN/UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
The thunder of drums and the heartbeat of community will radiate across the floor at the Alumni and Student Pow Wow, May 2 at the University of Windsor’s Toldo Lancer Centre.
The event is held in partnership between the University and St. Clair College.
Now in its fifth year, it continues to grow as a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture, tradition and unity, bringing together students, alumni and community members from across Windsor-Essex and beyond.
Open to all and free to attend, the Alumni and Student Pow Wow offers a full day of immersive cultural experiences, beginning at noon with the Grand Entry.
Throughout the afternoon, guests will experience traditional dancing, drumming and singing, alongside an artisan crafts market and opportunities to enjoy authentic Indigenous cuisine. A community feast is set for 4 p.m. to further highlight the spirit of sharing and togetherness that defines the gathering.
For University of Windsor Social Work student and Pow Wow dancer Ayden Gauvin, the event is a deeply personal and meaningful experience.
“My dance is very unique,” she shares. “It’s something that I’ve developed on my own and incorporated my own style. I want my dance to be a personal reflection of who I am.”
Gauvin, who is Mi’kmaq and Metis, will be participating as both a dancer and a vendor this year, continuing a journey that began just a few years ago.
Gauvin dances in a jingle dress handmade by her mother, lovingly crafted with cultural and spiritual significance.
Also helping guide the day is Pow Wow emcee Gordon Nicotine-Sands, who brings both knowledge and storytelling to the gathering. He emphasizes that Pow Wows are deeply rooted in history and meaning, with traditions evolving over generations across many Nations.
“Songs, dances and ceremony were considered gifts,” he explains, noting that many of today’s dances have origins as war dances that told stories of lived experience.
“Different Nations added their own sacred dances over time.”
As emcee, Nicotine-Sands sees his role as more than keeping the program moving – he provides context so attendees can better understand what they are witnessing.
“It’s important to share those stories so people understand the dances and the songs,” he says.
For those attending, he offers a powerful reflection on what it means to be present at a Pow Wow: “It’s a celebration of being able to take part—to see, to talk, to hear. It’s a gift from the Creator to merely be there and take part,” says Nicotine-Sands.
At the heart of the Pow Wow experience is the drum which provides a steady and powerful presence that guides dancers and participants alike.
“The drum is what centers your focus,” says Gauvin.
“It represents your heartbeat. When you’re dancing, you lock in with that beat, and everything you do revolves around it.”
Throughout the day, visitors may notice moments where they are invited to stand for certain songs, similar to rising for a national anthem. At other times, guests may be asked to refrain from recording or taking photos—an important reminder to respect the significance of specific ceremonies.
Beyond the cultural teachings, Nicotine-Sands highlights the deeper impact Pow Wows have on individuals and communities.
“It has a lot of meaning for me and my family,” he shares.
“It’s our way of sharing what we know and hopefully inspiring people to pick it up and continue.”
That spirit of openness and education is central to the event’s mission. The Pow Wow’s collaborative partnership reflects the post-secondary institutions shared commitment to supporting Indigenous students and fostering cultural awareness across the broader community.
For Gauvin, one of the highlights of the day is also one of the simplest: the opportunity to gather.
“I’m a people person,” she says.
“I love welcoming the community and seeing people come together. And I’m a foodie, so I really love the food too.”
As anticipation builds for this year’s celebration, organizers invite everyone to attend, participate and experience the richness of Indigenous culture firsthand. Whether it’s your first Pow Wow or one of many, the event promises a day of learning, connection and unforgettable moments.
For full event details and updates, visit powwowwindsor.ca.