When most people plan for New Year's Eve, they're thinking about drinking some alcohol or going out to a party.

But for the past few years, a new option has emerged in Thunder Bay, in the form of a round dance.

The Ambe Anishinaabeg Round Dance is an event on Fort William First Nation, and has a no drug or alcohol policy. The organizers of the round dance are hoping to create a sober environment that focuses on healing and community.

"It's a hard time of the year just to like, you know, stay on a sober path… with our round dance, we're there to promote sobriety," said Bess Legarde, one of the organizers of the event.

At the round dance, drummers sit in the middle and on the outside are rows of people holding hands, connecting, and dancing together. There is also a feast area where people are welcome to bring food to contribute and share with the community.

"You have your kids with you, you have your family with you, your friends, all of you choosing and taking that path…to spend a huge celebration in a sober, in a good way and a healthy environment," said Fawn Meshake, another organizer of the round dance.

"That's something we really like bringing to the round dance first, especially because it's New Year's, to provide that safe space for families and friends and other people that want to be involved in the Anishinaabe culture and Cree culture to come out and enjoy that with us."

Legarde said it's a lot of work to put on the round dance and it's something they work on throughout the year to prepare for, but it's worth it to see the roll out and how much people enjoy it.

There are also people who travel far just to spend their New Year's Eve celebrating at the round dance, with people coming from Saskatchewan, Quebec, and even in New Mexico.

"It just means so much to me that other people want to join us and celebrate with us and connect with us and be a part of that circle together," said Meshake.

Meshake said organizing this round dance has led to many connections and creates a safe space for those who need it.

However, there is a struggle when it comes to donations and Legarde and Meshake are more than happy to accept donations.

"People can donate to the round dance. We accept food donations, we're going to have a potluck and they could bring a dish to this," said Legarde.

"They could also contribute a monetary donation that would go towards singers, like giving them an honorarium or even hosting a special within the gathering. It's kind of just like fun stuff that we do during the celebration. But because people travel here, it's like we want to honour their time."

The New Year's Eve Round Dance happening December 31st at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre.

The doors open at 6 pm, there's a feast at 6:30, and the dance starts at 7 pm and anyone is welcome to attend.