Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from across the continent will gather virtually on February 11 to 13 for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at 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, director of FPHL. “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 Friday, February 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. This 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. The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is sponsored by Bell Let’s Talk and the Province of Ontario.

Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentation.

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Friday, February 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
Friday, February 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: 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
Saturday, February 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
Sunday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Rick Hill
• Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and FPHL