ELDERS
REUNION
2026
September
10-20
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
The detailed program will be posted once it is confirmed.
The official schedule is not ready for day-by-day publication yet. The overall format is confirmed: a ten-day gathering with spaces for elders, families, ceremony, meals, stories, workshops, and community visiting.
- Morning welcomes, teachings, and cultural workshops
- Shared meals, hospitality, and elder-centred spaces
- Land-based activities, podcast rooms, and visiting time
- Live music connected to opening and closing moments
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.
Speakers, knowledge keepers, and artists will be added to the site as participation is confirmed.
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.
To be confirmedOfficial announcements will be published here as confirmations are received.
Media
Photos, videos, and archives will be added after the event.
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 25,000Confirmed sponsors
Confirmed sponsors
Confirmed partners are added here as confirmations are received.
Form
Sponsorship inquiry
Fill out the sponsorship form on the dedicated page so the team can follow up from the control panel.
Fill out sponsorship formVolunteers
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.
Form
Offer your help
Fill out the volunteer form on the dedicated page so the team can organize follow-ups.
Fill out volunteer formInfo
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 10 to 20, 2026
Registration closes on September 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.