The first Rainbow Roundup was held in 1972 - in the basement of the old St. Bernard Church in Little Current.

Ben S. of Wikwemikong contacted Charlie C. in Philadelphia, who promptly gathered a group of 18-20 people to travel up to Manitoulin Island. The Philadelphia group included Bill R., Art A., Joan A., and Charlie C. This first Roundup was attended by about 40 people in total. Mary R., of Birch Island, was 2 years sober when she chaired one of the panels; Rosemary and Anne B. also chaired a panel at that time.

With the exception of 2020 and 2021 (due to Covid), the Rainbow Roundup has been held every year since. For many years, the venue was held at the NEMI Recreation Center in Little Current to accommodate the  over 250 attendees. In 2022 the Roundup moved to the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning - and this is where Rainbow Roundup celebrated its 50th anniversary in May of 2023 - still including the annual delegation from Philadelphia. 

We invite you to share stories of your Rainbow Roundup experience(s), anecdotes, or what Rainbow Roundup means to you.