Trent University to Hold 46th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Virtually
/A virtual gathering for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering for reconciliation through storytelling held by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University from Friday to Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is an important annual event that connects students, community members and Elders,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, FPHL director. “This year’s theme focuses on Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, which seeks to honour the voices, histories, and narratives of all our nations through sharing stories and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders.”
Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances.
This year’s gathering features keynote addresses from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sylvia Maracle and Rick Hill, as well as an inspiring line-up of Elders and traditional knowledge keepers sharing their stories throughout the event.
Special for 2022, the three-day conference features an all-new Youth Panel featuring Shina Novalinga, Notorious Cree, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb, and Autumn Cooper discussing how Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth and social change are possible through education via digital and social media content creation.
Indigenous Insights, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering pre-conference will be held virtually on Fri. at 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. T
his year’s event, Aging with Grace, is sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, featuring keynote speaker Cliff Whetung from Curve Lake First Nation and a panel discussion with Professor Emeritus Shirley Williams, Dr. Dan Longboat, and M.A. candidate Janette Corston to discuss their experiences combined with Cliff’s research.
Admission is free and all are welcome. Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required.
Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view the full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentations.
Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Fri., Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Keynote Address: Cliff Whetung, New York University’s Silver School of Social Work
Panel featuring: Dan Longboat, Shirley Williams, Janette Corston and Cliff Whetung
Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Fri., Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Elders Opening Prayer: Elder Doug Williams and Elder Shirley Williams
Chief Welcome Addresses: Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations
Open Comments: Metis Nation Ontario, Trent University, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, House of Commons and the Provincial Parliament of Ontario
Keynote Address: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald
Keynote Presentation: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair
Simultaneous Panels: Two Spirit and Women in Leadership Panel
Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel
Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Keynote Address: Sylvia Maracle
Simultaneous Workshops:
Metis Finger Weaving and Inuit Throat Singing & Cultural Reclamation Urban Settings
Language & Drumming and Native Women’s Association
Youth Panel: Notorious Cree, Shina Novalinga, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb and Autumn Cooper
Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel
Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Keynote Address: Rick Hill
Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and FPHL
