November 7-9, 2025
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and ceremony, the 2025 Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering will focus on renewing connections to community, to culture and to traditions for all Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. All are welcome to join us in person or virtually. The Elders Gathering was first held at Trent in the 1970's and was the biggest event of its kind. The Gathering provides an opportunity to share Indigenous knowledge through a series of workshops, presentations and gatherings. It is a time for students and the community to come together to listen, learn, and engage with the stories and knowledge that Elders and Traditional People carry.
Keynote Addresses:
Friday Opening Ceremonies: Autumn Peltier
Saturday Morning: Jeannette Corbiere-Lavell
Saturday Afternoon Keynote: Claudette Commanda
Sunday Closing Ceremonies: Keri Takao
Schedule
Registration and Ticket Sales
Elders Gathering tickers can be purchased online or upon arrival to Trent University (cash only). Note, on-campus foodservice locations do not accept cash.
Buy your tickets now
Adults (Durham Friday): $15
Adults (Peterborough all weekend): $30
Postsecondary Students: Free (student card required at the door)
Elders: Free
Children and Youth under 18: Free
Saturday's Feast has limited seats, registration is required
Dining on Campus
Trent University is a cash-free campus. Food purchases can be made with debit or credit card. Trent students and employees can use the Trent Cash on their Trent U card.
Durham (Friday): Purchase lunch from on-campus foodservice in the cafeteria.
Peterborough (Saturday and Sunday): Purchase lunch from on-campus food service locations in Enwayaang/Gzowski College. Alternatively, Tim Horton's and Subway are located just south of campus on Water Street.
Note, entrance fees must be paid in cash and some vendors may accept cash or card.
Getting Here
Trent Durham is located at 55 Thornton Road South, Oshawa
The Peterborough Gathering will be held in Enwayaang. Use 1 Gzowski Way, Peterborough, Ontario in your GPS device for directions to campus, and follow signs to Enwayaang/Gzowski College.
Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. See a map of Trent parking. Lots U and X are the closest to Enwayaang. Please respect bus loops, fire routes and accessibility while on campus.
Visit GO Transit for public transit options to get to both campus locations.
Thank you to our generous donors!
Bell, Ontario Government, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA), Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Hydro One, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), The Colleges of Trent University, and Chartwells/Compass Group Canada.
To support Indigenous initiatives such as the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent University, please consider donating via the following link:
Donate to FPHL and Trent University
To stay up to date on all our latest news, be sure to follow First Peoples House of Learning's social media profiles: FPHL Facebook, FPHL Instagram, and FPHL YouTube.
