Over 400 dancers filled the arbour at Couchiching First Nation this September, and the weekend showed again that strong employment support starts with being part of the community, not just serving it.
From September 11 to 13, 2026, Couchiching First Nation hosted its 33rd Annual Pow Wow near Fort Frances. The gathering brought together dancers, drum groups, families, vendors and visitors for three days of Anishinaabe culture, with spectators joining the dancers from across the region. The Pow Wow was hosted by Couchiching First Nation, and we were grateful to take part.
Supporting the gathering
EmployNext sponsored the Teen Boys Woodland dance. Supporting a dance category is a small way to back the young dancers who carry these traditions forward, and to show that our commitment to Northwestern Ontario communities goes beyond the services we deliver.
Connecting with community members
The weekend gave our team a chance to meet people in a setting where conversation comes naturally. We spoke with many community members about the employment and training supports available through EmployNext, including how to get connected with a service provider in the EmployNext network. For job seekers, hearing about those supports from someone they met face to face, in their own community, makes it easier to take the next step.
Listening to employers
Employers were part of those conversations too. Several were interested in how we can best support their workforce needs, from finding candidates to connecting with the right local partners. Those early conversations are where practical solutions begin, and we look forward to following up with each of them.
Why it matters
Employment services work best when they are built on trust, and trust is built by showing up. Being present at community-led events helps people understand what supports exist, helps employers find the right partners, and helps us hear what communities need from us.
It was a beautiful weekend, and a very community-driven one. Thank you to Couchiching First Nation, the organizers, the drum groups, the dancers and everyone who welcomed us. We look forward to building on the connections made and continuing to work alongside the communities of Northwestern Ontario.
