The event provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and take in their vast wealth of traditional knowledge and teachings. Watch the video below to learn more.

Carl Stone, an Elder-in-residence with the Indigenous Student Centre, says to truly learn you must engage and he encourages everyone to attend.

“To really learn and have it become a part of you, you have to engage in it. And part of what we’re doing at this Elders gathering is helping people understand it – the engagement of our culture, our language, our ceremonies, our spirituality.”

Not just for Elders – all are invited to attend

This year’s theme, Empowering Future Generations, focuses on strengthening communities by sharing Indigenous stories, teachings and traditional knowledge to inspire and uplift the leaders of today and tomorrow.

Through a blend of discussions and interactive workshops, participants can deepen their understanding of Indigenous teachings while sharing and building connections.

UM student Sydney Richard attended in previous years and is appreciative of the opportunity to connect.

“It gives students the opportunity to engage with the Indigenous community and to engage with the culture and where you can learn new things,” says Richard. “It’s a place where you can make new connections, make new friends.”

For more event details, including registration, visit the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering webpage.

The 18th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, taking place January 25 and 26, is a time to embrace traditional Indigenous teachings shared through ceremony and across generations. The event brings Elders, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Knowledge Keepers together with each other and UM students, staff and faculty.  

This year’s theme is Restoring our Spirits: Wellness through Stories. The event will be a combination of Elder teachings and wellness stations taking place in safe spaces for learning, sharing and building connections. 

Not just for Elders – all are invited to attend

ISC Elder-in-Residence Norman Meade.

Norman Meade, an Elder in residence with the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), says it’s important for Elders to come together and spend time with anyone who wants to see them, and he encourages everyone to attend.  

“It gives Elders a chance to not only share knowledge with the ones who sit down with them but the opportunity to share the knowledge they have with each other,” says Meade. “I always encourage younger people or those who aren’t sure what the title really means as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandfathers and Grandmothers to come sit with us Elders in a circle and learn.” 

UM student Amari Dion-Hart recently volunteered as a helper at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Knowledge Keepers Forum and believes events like these are important for young people to attend.  

Dion-Hart says sitting with Elders and Survivors and hearing their stories of resilience at the forum left her feeling inspired and full of hope for her generation. 

“I believe that it is important for young people to engage with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Survivors because listening, connecting and learning is the path to reconciliation,” says Dion-Hart. “Youth are the next generation of leaders, and we all can create the change and be the change we want to see.” 

Topics for Elder teachings include identity and wellness, perspectives on 2SLGBTQIA+ wellness, stories on Dakota Purification Lodges, among others; and the wellness stations will welcome medicine pouch making, a beading circle and other opportunities for self-care.

For more information about Elder teachings, wellness sessions and other event details, visit the UM Indigenous Elders Gathering webpage.