From October 30th to November 2nd more than 3,000 Indigenous and Non Indigenous elders from across the country will be gathering at the Edmonton Expo Centre for the 2023 National Gathering of Elders.
The Gathering is the need for Elders across Canada to have inter-social and community links with the hopes of bringing everyone together. With a chance to socialize with like-minded, like-aged individuals and their families to help build bridges. It will also help the youth to mitigate the generation gap and allow the younger generations to learn about respecting and honoring elders.
Dr. Judy Kim-Meneen is the Executive Director for the National Gathering of Elders and explains the process behind the National Gathering of Elders with respect being one of the main focal points.
The first day will consist of a grand entry featuring all the nations across the country, lighting the sacred fire and qulliq. After the ceremony there will be keynote speakers, a talent show and social dance and holistic wellness.
Though there will be Indigenous culture incorporated throughout the event, non-Indigenous people aged 16 and up can also attend the conference. Dr. Kim-Meneen hopes any non-Indigenous person attending the gathering can learn about truth and reconciliation and the healing process.
The event will be hosted in the Edmonton Expo Centre and you can still register today by visiting their website.
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