46th Annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent University focuses on reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth

February 10, 2022

Virtual gathering February 11-13 features full line-up of keynote addresses and workshops, including remarks from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald

PETERBOROUGH (Monday, February 7, 2022) – Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from across the continent will gather virtually on February 11 to 13, 2022, 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: Métis Nation Ontario, 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:
    • Métis 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 of Indigenous

Studies and FPHL

About Trent University

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that’s personal, purposeful, and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate, and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent’s unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives, and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent’s students, alumni, faculty, and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.

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For more information contact:

Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca