Elders and Youth Gathering
“Bridging the Gap with Kindness” (2011)
The second annual Elders and Youth Gathering was a success! September 20, 21 and 22, 2011.
The main goal of the Elders and Youth Gathering was to get Elders (Seniors) and Youth together and the mandate of the teaching lodge is that everyone is welcome!!!
This was a FREE three (3) day, cultural event and guests were welcome to:
-Set up an information booth or other display
-Do a demonstration or a give talk about your cultural activities
Like last year, this Elders and Youth Gathering invited approximately 15 Elders from each of the three Nations of Northern Ontario, namely: Nishnawbe Aski Nation; Grand Council Treaty #3; and, the Anishinabek Nation. As well, approximately 15 local non-Aboriginal Elders and 15 local Aboriginal Elders (including the Métis Nation of Ontario) will be invited together with local youth in the city.
This was a very unique opportunity for these Elders to gather together for the purposes of sharing their wisdom and preparing for the future. We had approximately 450 people attend the gathering last year. We are waiting for numbers from this year's gathering. Special thanks to NAN for webstreaming our event live on our website!
*NEW* This year, we had evening socials (also at Fort William Historical Park) September 19 and 20, 2011.
Monday, September 19 – Entertainment aimed towards the Youth – Rappers, Musicians, etc.
Tuesday, September 20 – Cultural Evening – Cultural Evening (i.e. drum group, dance group, etc.) and we showed a film
For more information, please see the 2 Page Summary of last year's gathering here. Or last year's Elders Conference page here! This year's reports will be online soon!
Special thanks to our sponsors!
•The Anglican Church of Canada,
•The United Church of Canada,
•The Dreamcatcher Fund, Certificate
•Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN),
•PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and the Status of Women program,
•ReadPlease Corporation,
•Cindy Crowe Consulting, and
•Alec Oombash