Active bingo
Active bingo is scheduled for 5 p.m., during the afternoon games and contests.
2026 programme
Workshops, contests, and cultural sharing
From September 12 to 19, elders gather to share their knowledge, take part in wellness workshops, and celebrate language and culture through games, music, and conversation.
Gather and share
A week of connection and celebration
The official opening on September 12 celebrates Innu-aimun with a conversation about learning the language, a traditional clothing fashion presentation by Création Puamun, and a musical performance.
Throughout the week, elders share stories of the land, memories, and knowledge to pass on to young people. The closing evening on September 19 brings together messages for future generations, singers, and the awards presentation.
Workshops and conversations
Wellness, knowledge, and the Innu language
Recognizing phone phishing
An awareness workshop on phone phishing with Aurel Mestokosho.
From the land to the plate
A nutrition workshop accompanies the games and contests. Evening conversations explore the foods brought on trips onto the land.
IKUTA workshop · Institut Tshakapesh
A presentation on Innu roots and culturally meaningful practices, with respect for Innu knowledge, language, and identity.
Wellness and passing on knowledge
September 16 afternoon: a creative journaling workshop on the six pillars of First Nations wellness. September 17 morning: elder wellness awareness and conversations about passing knowledge between generations.
Preserving Nutshimiu-Aimun
Expressions from the land, older words, pronunciation, and recording the language for future generations. On September 19, a special moment carries the message: “There is still hope for the Innu language.”
Games and connection
Elders’ contests and activities 2026
These proposed events encourage fun, conversation, traditions, friendship, and physical activity. They take place within the afternoon games and contests sessions.
Goose-call contest
Participants imitate a goose call in front of the audience.
Most contagious laugh contest
Each participant shares their best laugh.
Bannock-on-the-sand contest
Prepare bannock over an outdoor fire.
Tea-over-the-fire challenge
A speed contest to boil water and serve tea.
Lip-sync contest
Perform a song without singing.
Elders’ karaoke
Perform traditional, Innu, Québécois, and country songs.
Slingshot contest
A target accuracy challenge.
Checkers tournament
A friendly competition over several rounds.
Shekak tournament
A card game played in teams of two, with preliminary rounds, semifinals, and a grand final.
Finish the song
The host stops the music and participants continue the lyrics.
Amateur talent contest
Participants freely share their talents in a friendly atmosphere.
September 19 · evening
Closing ceremony and awards
The closing ceremony presents awards to participants and celebrates the gathering’s spirit of participation.
Games and skills
- Shekak champion
- Checkers champion
- Best slingshot shooter
- Best bannock
- Tea-over-the-fire champion
Talents and participation
- Best goose call
- Best contagious laugh
- Best karaoke performer
- Participation award
- Respect and sportsmanship award
King and Queen of the Elders 2026
The King and Queen of the Elders 2026 are crowned, chosen for their participation and good humour.