Covenant of Nations

Traditional Peoples Gathering

Welcome to the Covenant of Nations: Sacred Wampum Renewal Gathering page.

The Traditional Peoples Gathering was held September 14-16, 2023 at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario, Canada to revitalize the pre-colonial strong and respectful relationship between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Anishinaabeg Nation.

In order to respond to challenges of self-determination, nationhood, the environment, and the future of both nations, this spiritual gathering had the following objectives:

Invocation of the Spirit and Ancestors
Sharing of Sacred Traditional Ceremonies
Demonstrate and promote Indigenous values
Contribute to the Healing of Mother Earth
Transmission of historical, spiritual and cultural knowledge to youth
Ceremonial Healing of Nations
Promotion of Unity Among Nations
Creating a movement on Turtle Island
Inspiring the values and actions of Settler nations
Addressing climate change
Contributing to the Legacy of Peace

The Gathering brought together Elders and youth from the two Nations as well as honored guests such as Chief Arvol Lookinghorse (Lakota), Chief Justice Emeritus Robert Yazzie (Navajo), Cheryl Demmerts Fairbanks (Tlinglit), Gwaii Edenshaw (Haida Gwaii) Melissa Nelson (Anishinaabe/Metis/Norwegian) and Kaylena Bray (Seneca), among others. Wampum belts were shared with the participants and guests. Historians Rick Hill (Tuscarora), Brian Charles (Chippewas of Georgina Island) and Alan Corbiere (M’Chigeeng First Nation) shared the significance of the belts as living history, their diplomatic role of creating covenants of peace, trade, land use, and friendship among Nations.

“We are honored to hold the Traditional Peoples Gathering. This is an evolution of the Covenant of Nations gathering held in September 2023. This gathering seeks to bring international Wisdom Keepers together with youth and families of Indigenous Nations to build the hearts and souls of the next generation of leaders, healers, teachers, prophets, and visionaries.”