Gathering through the seasons

For Indigenous Peoples, knowledge is inseparable from the Land and the changing seasons. Each of the seven Indigenous Nations with territory in Manitoba—the Inuit, Dene, Inninew, Anishininew, Anishinaabe, Dakota and Metis—holds distinct seasonal teachings, ceremonies, and cultural practices that have been passed from generation to generation. Through these lived experiences, relationships with the Land are nurtured and cultural identities are strengthened. Seasonal teachings offer opportunities for reflection, connection, and learning, ensuring that traditional knowledge remains alive through practice and storytelling.

Elders and Knowledge Keepers gathered in Winnipeg to share seasonal teachings, ceremonies, stories, and cultural practices during recorded interview sessions. Talking circles provided opportunities for participants to reflect on what they had learned, while shared meals, drum songs, and informal conversations strengthened relationships among everyone present. The Gathering recognized that many teachings are specific to individual Nations and are not always readily available to Indigenous youth who are reconnecting with their cultural identities. By respectfully documenting, organizing, and preserving this knowledge, the Calendar of Ceremonies process aims to support future learning while honouring the communities from which these teachings originate.

The work has continued well beyond the Gathering. Interview recordings are being edited, reviewed, and carefully organized for long-term preservation. Guided by the interconnected themes of ceremony and seasonality, the project team is identifying key teachings and meaningful excerpts that will inform an interim report and shape the project's next phases. 

In collaboration with the participating Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the team is developing guidelines that will govern how the archived materials are accessed and used. These protocols will help ensure that the teachings remain grounded in their cultural context and are shared in ways that honour the knowledge holders, respect Indigenous protocols, and support meaningful learning for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

Strengthening connections across generations

The Calendar of Ceremonies is more than an archive; it is a living commitment to preserving Indigenous knowledge, strengthening connections across generations, and ensuring that seasonal teachings continue to guide future generations in respectful relationship with the Land and one another.

A special thank you to the sponsors that make this work possible: University of Manitoba, MasterCard Foundation and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.