First-ever virtual elders gathering features keynote address from Ontario regional chief RoseAnne Archibald
Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from across the continent will gather virtually this weekend
for the 45th 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. While the gathering has moved to an online format this year, it will still centre on diverse Indigenous voices, traditional teachings and films that celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell Harvard, director of FPHL. “The elders and knowledge holders speaking at the gathering bring a wealth of knowledge about our collective past to help guide our path into the post-pandemic future.”
Indigenous Insights, the pre-conference on Thursday, March 18, features undergraduate and graduate students sharing their experiences over the past year, and how Indigenous Traditional Knowledge has guided them through the pandemic. The annual Indigenous Women’s Symposium has also partnered with the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, offering a panel presentation during the conference.
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 film line-up includes Cottagers and Indians, as well as other films exploring water, Indigenous identity and relationships across generations. The films are presented in partnership with ReFrame Film Festival.
Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required. Admission is free for everyone. The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is sponsored by Bell Let’s Talk, the Province of Ontario, and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.
Highlights of this year’s virtual event are listed below:
Indigenous Insights: Pre-Conference Celebrating Student Voices Thursday, March 18, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ∙ Student presentations about their experiences in the past year
Grand Opening: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Friday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Keynote Address: Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald Friday, March 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions: 2-Spirit Voices or Indigenous Women Leadership Friday, March 19, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
∙ 2-Spirit Voices features Sharp Dopler, Heidi Whetung and Smokii Sumac ∙ Indigenous Women Leadership features Katsi Cook, Diane Longboat, Manulani Aluli Meyer, Elder Reepa Evic-Carleton and moderator Nahannee-Fe
Panel: Offering Words of Wisdom Friday, March 19, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
∙ Featuring Elders Dr. Shirley Williams, Katsi Cook, Edna Manitowabi and former Trent chancellor Mary May Simon
Simultaneous Workshops Saturday, March 20 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ∙ Rewriting the Prophesy: Our Vision for the Future Generations, Rick Hill ∙ Star Teachings: Elder Mary Moose ∙ Inuit Throat Singing and Urban Inuit Experiences, Abigail Carleton and Aneeka Anderson 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ∙ Beyond the Prophecies: The Dawn is Ours, Diane Longboat ∙ Nwaachge: Reading the Signs, Alan Corbiere
∙ Inunnguiniq: Making a Human Being, Karen Baker-Anderson and Elder Reepa Evic-Carleton
Keynote Address: Louise McDonald and Katsitsiooni Fox
Saturday, March 20, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
∙ Louise McDonald and Katsitsionni Fox will showcase their film Without a Whisper
Panel: Offering Words of Wisdom
Saturday, March 20, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
∙ Featuring Elders Dr. Shirley Williams, Mary Moose, Tom Porter and Verna DeMontigny
