After two years of gathering online, the 47th Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering returns to in-person workshops, learning and connection at Trent University, March 10-12, 2023, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. Exploring the theme Returning to Ourselves: Reclaiming Indigenous Identities and Weaving New Connections, the Gathering features a variety of speakers and keynote addresses, on-the-land learning workshops, and a trip to Curve Lake First Nation.   

 “The Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering offers a unique opportunity for learning, ceremony and connection for students, community members and Elders. This year’s Gathering feels more significant as we’re able to come together again in person,” said Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, director of FPHL. “Our theme, Returning to Ourselves: Reclaiming Indigenous Identities and Weaving New Connections, lends itself well to many of the hands-on workshops and presentations covering topics like hand drumming, fish smoking, and health and wellness.”  

Elders Gathering program highlights include a keynote address and workshop by Thosh Collins, co-founder of WELL FOR CULTURE, an Indigenous wellness initiative which promotes whole life-ways through ancestral teachings to optimize contemporary Indigenous lifestyles. Zhaawnong Webb, third-year Indigenous Studies student and a rising social media influencer, will be leading a workshop focusing on Indigenous identity online. This year’s program also includes a women’s panel and authors’ panel, and workshops from Métis and First Nations knowledge holders on food preparation and storytelling. New to this year’s Gathering is programming at Trent University Greater Toronto Area on Friday, and a trip to Curve Lake First Nation for on-the-land learning on Sunday.  

Indigenous Insights, the Elders Gathering pre-conference, will explore Indigenous Knowledge in a modern context. Rebecca Sinclair, executive director of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Centre in Winnipeg, will deliver the Provost Lecture in Reconciliation, with her talk Weaving (K)new Connections to Address Climate Change: Indigenous and Western Ways of Knowing for the 21st Century. Ms. Sinclair will be joined by Dr. Dan Longboat, associate professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent; Dr. Deborah McGregor, associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Justice, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University; and Joe Pitawanakwat, founder and director of Creators Garden, for a panel discussion on the same topic.   

“Indigenous knowledge is rooted in our history and in our stories, but it is not a relic of the past. Instead, Indigenous ways of knowing can provide valuable insight and guidance to our modern world and the many issues we face,” said Professor David Newhouse, director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. “Indigenous Insights and the wider Elders Gathering showcase the value of Indigenous knowledge in a modern context.” 

“Bell Let’s Talk is pleased to continue our support of the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent University,” said Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let’s Talk. ”This is an important opportunity to share cultural knowledge and support reconciliation. Our partnership with the gathering will help to share speaker stories and Indigenous knowledge with students and members of the community.”

Indigenous Insights and the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering will be held in Enwayaang, Symons Campus, Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12, 2023. Admission is $30, free for Trent students and children under 12. Tickets and the full program lineup are available online: trentu.ca/eldersgathering.   

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Weaving (K)new Connections to Address Climate Change: Indigenous and Western Ways of Knowing for the 21st Century  
Friday, March 10, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  

• Keynote Address: Rebecca Sinclair, executive director of Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Centre  
• Panel featuring: Dr. Dan Longboat, Dr. Deborah McGregor, and Joe Pitawanakwat 

 Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering  
Friday, March 10, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

• Grand Opening Wenjack Theatre, Otonabee College  
• Authors Panel featuring Smokii Sumac, Leanne Simpson, Drew Hayden Taylor, Nathan Adler and Shirley Williams 
• Film Screening of Ever Deadly 

Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering  
Saturday, March 11, 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

• Sunrise Ceremony  
• Keynote Address: Thosh Collins, 7 Circles of Wellness  
• Concurrent Workshops including performance, Métis finger weaving, storytelling and food making 
• DJ Shubb Personal Touch Banquet Hall 

Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering  
Sunday, March 12, 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  

• Sunrise Ceremony  
• Trip to Curve Lake: register for the bus ride and join in on-the-land workshops in hide tanning, oral history, and fish practices 
• Concurrent Workshops including an Indigenous Women’s panel, and Métis jigging