February 7-9
Forest Hill Conference Centre

St. Thomas University Indigenous Student Services is hosting the Midwinter Celebrations: Longhouse Youth and Elders Gathering, February 7-9 at the Forest Hill Conference Centre.

The Traditional Elders Gathering in celebration of the Great Sleep of our Sacred Mother Earth, also known as the Midwinter Celebrations, is a time where life slows down and we go into a quiet period.

It's a time where ceremonies are held morning and night, where people come together to share meals and stories, and a time to pass on cultural knowledge from the elder to the young. 

The Celebrations will include:

• Lighting of the Sacred Fire
• Introduction of the Longhouse
• History of Original Wabanaki Systems
• Talking Circles
• Youth and Elder Workshops

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday:
6:00 PM - Doors Open
7:00 PM - Welcoming Ceremony (evening snack provided)
 
Saturday:
7:00 AM - Sunrise Ceremony
8:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - Longhouse Assembly-Opening Ceremony | Traditional Elders & Knowledge Keepers Cultural Teachings
12:00 PM - Break for Lunch
1:00 PM - Longhouse Assembly |  Traditional Elders & Knowledge Keepers Cultural Teachings
5:00 PM - Break for Supper
7:00 PM - Youth Sharing Circle: Stories, Arts, Songs and Dances
 
Sunday:
7:00 AM - Morning Ceremony
8:00 AM - Breakfast
10:00 AM - Feast ceremony
2:00 PM - Give-away and closing ceremony
 
- ALL ARE WELCOME TO THIS FREE PUBLIC EVENT -