From New York to Vancouver

Over 100 Participants

At this year's gathering we had over 100 participants from across Turtle Island. Delegates came from New York, Vancouver, North Dakota, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.

A Circle of Family

The gathering represented the circle of family, from Elders to youth to toddlers. For four days, we shared stories and teachings, created art, and  participated in healing ceremonies.

Thank You to Our Funders

2SPM and Kani Kanichihk would like to thank the following funders: 


Crown-Indigenous Relations, Government of Canada

First Nations and Inuit Health, Government of Canada

Indigenous and Northern Relations, Province of Manitoba

Manitoba Metis Federation

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

Red River College

City of Winnipeg


Gathering Activities

Airport Shuttle Volunteers

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Many participants who arrived in Winnipeg by air were driven to and from the gathering site by local volunteers, Jamie, David, Boyd, Monique, Chantal, and Levi.

Camping Details

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Gathering participants were housed in tents and cabins. The weather was pleasant except for a lightning thunderstorm that arrived on the first evening.  

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

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Six sweat lodges were conducted for gathering participants. 

Bannock Point Petroforms

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 Participants visited the Bannock Point Petroforms, a series of stone figures laid out on bedrock in the forms of turtles, snakes and humans, and also in abstract patterns. Anishinaabe and other First Nations people believe that they were left here long ago for the benefit of all people that might visit this site to receive their teachings and healing. 

Eastern Beaches of Lake Winnipeg

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Participants had the opportunity to visit one of Lake Winnipeg's eastern beaches: 

Victoria Beach

Albert Beach

Hillside Beach

Traverse Bay

Belair

Lester Beach

Grand Beach

Grand Marais

Patricia Beach

Beausejour Manitoba

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Beausejour is a nearby town located in the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead. It is 46 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, just west of the Canadian Shield and Whiteshell Provincial Park. The French name Beauséjour means "beautiful stay".