‘Qey, Kwe’,

This Traditional Elders Gathering celebrates the sleep of our sacred Mother Earth, when the snow covers the land as a blanket of protection and nourishment. During this time of restoration, we honour the femininity of the winter solstice and celebrate when life slows down and we enter a quiet period.

During this time, ceremonies are held morning and night, and people come together to share meals and stories. It is a time to pass on cultural knowledge from our Elders to the young.

This gathering is a unique opportunity to come together and engage in ceremony to envision a positive path for the year ahead. It is meant to be a safe and inclusive space for Wabanaki peoples and allies to come together, learn, and share. This gathering will provide a space for people to build relationships, learn from each other, and reconnect.

Registration is recommended. You can register here.

SCHEDULE | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Sunrise Ceremony
7:00 AM | STU

Breakfast
8:00 AM | GMH, STU

Traditional Welcoming of Wolastokuk
8:50 AM | Great Hall, STU

Talking Circle 
9:00 AM | Great Hall, STU
Sharing of Mid-Winter Teachings

Break
10:30 AM

Two-Spirit Conversation
10:45 AM | STU Campus

Lunch
12:15 PM | Great Hall, STU

Traditional Elders & Knowledge Keepers Cultural Teachings
1:00 PM-2:50 PM | Multiple Locations

• Sharing Circle A: Indigenous Women’s Traditional Teachings with Wabanaki Women (STU- GMH)
• Sharing Circle B: Indigenous Men’s Traditional Teachings with Wabanaki Men (STU- GMH)

Break
2:50 PM

Traditional Elders & Knowledge Keepers Cultural Teachings
3:00 PM-5:00 PM | Multiple Locations

• Sharing Circle A: Wolastoqey Language and Mi’kmaq Language, songs and creation stories (STU- GMH)

Break Before Supper
5:00 PM | Great Hall, STU

Supper – Feast
5:30 PM | Great Hall, STU

Community Celebration: with Cipelahq Ehpicik Singers and Hello Crows 
7:00 PM | Great Hall, STU