ELDERS
REUNION
2026
September
12-19
Matimekush, Lac-John
Overview
Activities and live music
Elders Reunion 2026 will offer a range of engaging activities, live testimonials, inspiring storytellers, and practical workshops.
Music will be presented during the opening and closing festivals. Participants will discover cultural presentations, intergenerational sharing spaces, and experiences that highlight First Nations and Inuit community heritage.
Three podcast setups will be available on site to record stories, conversations, and teachings for the transfer of knowledge during the event.
Explore moreActivities
Elders gathering in Matimekush
This section highlights the voices, hands-on knowledge, and heritage moments that set the tone for the gathering.
SEWING AND COOKING
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The place
Matimekush, Lac-John
Step into the warm atmosphere of the elders gathering site. The space is being prepared to welcome elders, families, and communities in a spirit of sharing, transmission, and respect for knowledge.
At the heart of Elders Reunion 2026, participants will experience meaningful moments through testimonials, cultural exchanges, and intergenerational encounters.
Where it all beganCommunities
Community Participant
Participating communities, local partners, and welcome teams gather around one goal: to honor elders and prepare a dignified, warm, and well-coordinated stay.
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Agenda
Official programme
Eight days of gathering, memory, culture and sharing between generations, honouring Elders’ knowledge, Innu-aimun, traditional practices and the preservation of Indigenous languages.
“Preserve today to pass on tomorrow”
- Opening and closing ceremonies, stories and passing on the language
- Shared meals and rest at the Elders’ pace
- Theatre, workshops, games and contests
- Musical performance, singers and awards
Visitor orientation, information, badges, and support for delegations.
Teachings, workshops, stories, gatherings, and presence from knowledge keepers.
Meals, hospitality, family spaces, visiting, and land-based activities.
Opening, closing, music, announcements, and approved communications.
Speakers
Voices, language, and cultural presence for the gathering.
Some languages and ways of speaking are mostly carried on the territory and passed on orally. The gathering creates space to hear them, document them carefully, and carry them forward to future generations.
Media
RDA 2026 media
Important notice
Filming notice
This event will be filmed, photographed, and recorded throughout Elders Reunion 2026. By attending, you acknowledge that your image, voice, or presence may appear in event media, official communications, and community archives.
Sponsors
RDA 2026 sponsorships
Sponsorship supports logistics, infrastructure, hospitality, programming, communications, and a respectful experience for elders and visitors.
Principal Partner
CAD 500,000Gold Sponsor
CAD 250,000Silver Sponsor
CAD 100,000Bronze Sponsor
CAD 50,000Friend of the Gathering
CAD 25,000Principal partner and official host
Conseil de la Nation innue de Matimekush–Lac John
Special recognition for its exceptional support of Elders Reunion 2026.
Sponsors and partners
- Hydro-Québec
- SRPNI
- Fondation Toboggan & Co
- Aluminerie Alouette
- Rio Tinto
- ArcelorMittal
- La Nation innue
- Institut Tshakapesh
- ITUM
- Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon
- Tata Steel
- Tourisme Côte-Nord
- Boralex / Parc éolien Apuiat
- CDEM
- Groupe Lapalme
- Port de Sept-Îles
- Compass Group
- Beluga Construction inc.
- Naskinnuk
- Shakashtueu
- Shetush Électrique
- Transport Adoschaouna
- MD Logistique
- Aikusskesi Energy Service
- Sichuun
- Kateri Champagne Jourdain
- RBA
- Transport Garage Montagnais
- Construction Eshkan
- Northern Store
- Centre Manikin
- Uapenuatu Garage
- KES Energy Services
- MRC de Caniapiscau
- Gouvernement du Québec
Confirmed sponsors
Confirmed sponsors
Volunteers
RDA 2026 volunteers
Roles cover welcome, elder support, hospitality, activities, logistics, and communications.
Elder support
Movement support, comfort, rest areas, and respectful assistance.
Welcome and registration
Check-in, information, badges, schedules, and visitor direction.
Meals and hospitality
Meal service, shared spaces, water, welcome, and support during busy periods.
Site setup and logistics
Signage, chairs, supplies, wayfinding, and practical coordination.
Activities and families
Workshop preparation, transitions, and support for family spaces.
Media and communications
Photo support, announcements, schedules, and approved documentation.
Info
Getting to the site
The gathering site is being prepared in the Matimekush, Lac-John area, with space for main event zones, visitor movement, tents, and parking.
September 12 to 19, 2026
Registration closes on July 1, 2026 and is limited to 20 elders per community. Exceptions may apply.
Visitors can arrive by air through Montréal, Québec City, or Sept-Îles, then continue locally to the site. Passenger rail service is also available between Sept-Îles and Schefferville.
Local hosting, available lodging, and event coordination support can help visitors plan their stay.
Useful medical information can be shared with participants and delegations once official instructions are confirmed.