Midwinter Celebrations: Longhouse Youth and Elders Gathering

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 –