Trent University Hosts World‑Renowned Water Rights Advocate Autumn Peltier at 49th Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering

Trent University Hosts World‑Renowned Water Rights Advocate Autumn Peltier at 49th Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering

The 49th Annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent University opens a weekend of learning, reflection, and celebration, bringing together Indigenous voices, scholars, and community members across Durham and Peterborough campuses. The event is highlighted by opening keynote speaker Autumn Peltier, an internationally recognized water‑rights advocate, who will share her experience leading the fight for clean drinking water in First Nations communities.

Event Overview and Themes

The Gathering, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL), aims to amplify Indigenous perspectives and sustain the exchange of knowledge between elders, knowledge keepers, students, and the broader university community. The theme for 2025—Echoing Our Elders—focuses on the transmission of stories, teachings, and songs that reinforce cultural continuity and collective responsibility toward the land.

Why the Gathering Matters

  • Long‑standing tradition: it is one of the longest‑running Indigenous‑centric conferences in Canada.
  • Multi‑generational dialogue: elders and youth collaborate on workshops, performances, and policy discussions.
  • Community impact: the event provides a platform for local First Nations, regional tribes, and international Indigenous leaders to network, share resources, and celebrate cultural resilience.

Autumn Peltier: Champion of Clean Water

In 2019, the Anishinaabek Nation named Peltier its chief water commissioner, an appointment that formalized her advocacy on a national and international stage. As a teenage activist who raised global awareness on Indigenous water rights, she now stands as a key figure in environmental policy discussions with the United Nations and the Canadian government.

Key Accomplishments

  • Three‑time nominee for the International Children’s Peace Prize.
  • Public testimonies before the UN: called for comprehensive reforms to water governance in First Nations communities.
  • Media presence: featured in several international publications and documentary series.

Professor Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell notes that Peltier’s leadership brings “new energy” to the Gathering, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern advocacy.

Featured Keynote Speakers and Session Highlights

In addition to Autumn Peltier, the schedule includes three additional prominent speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the week:

  • Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell (Hon.) – A lifelong advocate for Indigenous women’s rights and recipient of the Order of Canada.
  • Elder Claudette Commanda – An Algonquin Anishinaabe who championed language revitalization and served as Chancellor of the University of Ottawa.
  • Keri Tākao – A Māori language teacher and cultural advocate from New Zealand, who will close the event with performance and reflection.

Session Formats and Interaction

Workshops, roundtable discussions, and cultural performances form the backbone of the weekend’s agenda. Participants will have opportunities to apply knowledge, create traditional artifacts, and engage with speakers on emerging policy issues.

Hands‑On Workshops and Cultural Experiences

Key workshops cover practical skills and cultural heritage:

  • Sealskin pin‑making — a traditional craft that highlights techniques passed down through generations.
  • Cornbread baking and smoked‑fish preparation — culinary sessions that celebrate Indigenous culinary traditions.
  • Vendor marketplace — featuring contemporary art and traditional crafts made by local Indigenous artists.

The Gathering also celebrates recent scholarly work, launching Dr. Jackson Pind’s new book, Students by Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Indian Day School. Performances such as Who Will Save the Night Sky?, an interactive solo piece by Philip Geller, further blend storytelling with modern themes.

Logistics: Dates, Venues, and Ticketing

  • Date: November 7‑9, 2025
  • Location: Trent’s Durham campus (Durham Greater Toronto Area) and Peterborough campus.
  • Early‑Bird Tickets: $15 for Friday in Durham or $30 for a full Peterborough weekend.
  • Free Admission: Elders, postsecondary students (with valid ID), and youth under 18.
  • Tickets are also available at the doors (cash only).

For full details and to reserve a seat, visit the official Elders Gathering website.

Trent University’s Commitment to Indigenous Education

Trent University has a longstanding history of supporting Indigenous students and scholarship. The First Peoples House of Learning collaborates closely with the University’s Indigenous Services and academic faculties to create research opportunities, community partnerships, and culturally responsive curricula.

Academic Pathways and Student Resources

  • Interdisciplinary programs that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems.
  • Workshops and mentorship for Indigenous students, enhancing retention and academic success.
  • Research centers focusing on Indigenous environmental governance and social justice.

Trent’s inclusive approach fosters a learning environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages life‑long collaboration beyond the classroom.

Take Action: Get Involved and Learn More

Whether you are an Indigenous community member, a student new to Trent, or a faculty member interested in expanding your engagement with Indigenous peoples, the 49th Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering offers a strategic point of entry into transformative dialogue. Joining the event can deepen your understanding of water‑rights advocacy, foster new research collaborations, and broaden your network across multiple Indigenous communities.

Ready to Join the Conversation?

Explore the conference agenda, register for workshops, or simply learn more about the event’s impact on Indigenous communities in Canada.

Reserve Your Ticket Now

Interested in Trent University Programs?

Discover how our undergraduate and graduate programs incorporate Indigenous research, or consider a semester abroad to experience diverse cultural settings.

Explore Student Opportunities

Share Your Thoughts

We invite readers to share their insights or ask questions about Indigenous rights, water policy, and community engagement. Leave a comment below or connect with us via our contact page.

For deeper exploration of the Gathering’s sessions, visit the Trent News page and read related stories on Indigenous leadership.