TIMMINS, ON: The Muskegowuk Council – Omushkego Education 25th annual Great Moon Gathering will be held at the Timmins Campus on February 11th and 12th. The Great Moon Gathering will feature guest speakers, workshops, and focus group sessions, movie screenings, and traditional and cultural ceremonies. The Great Moon Gathering is at full capacity, with over 350 registered attendees participating over the two days.

The common theme in the focus group sessions will be Hearing the Students. Facilitators will guide participants from the Attawapiskat First Nation Education Authority, Hishkoonikun Education Authority – Kashechewan First Nation, Moose Cree Education Authority – Moose Cree First Nation and Mundo Peetabeck Education Authority – Fort Albany First Nation in developing a commitment and plan to ensure student agency, and student voices are embedded in school culture.

Stan Wesley will be the emcee of the Great Moon Gathering. Stan speaks on a variety of issues with a focus of celebrating success and advancing good and healthy relationships. He is considered to be one of the top speakers in the country. On Thursday, Stan will be joined by Dr. Shirley Cheechoo, Dr. Cheechoo is the first, First Nation female to write, produce and direct a dramatic feature film. She has received over 21 awards and recognition for her films, television movie, documentaries and short films. Friday, Stan Wesley will be joined by Dr. Jean Clinton, a Clinical Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences – Child Psychiatry Division. Dr. Clinton is renowned locally, provincially, nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues.

“We are very honoured to be hosting the 25th Annual Great Moon Gathering at Northern College,” says Fred Gibbons, President of Northern College. “Hosting cultural events such as the Great Moon Gathering, our Annual Powwow, Lightning Trail, and more, are an important component of our commitment to providing opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and community members to share their cultural experiences and perspectives.”

The Great Moon Gathering will begin with a Sunrise Ceremony located in the Northern College Teepee at 7:15 am, on Thursday, with closing ceremonies taking place at 4:30 pm, on Friday.
For more information, please contact Mike Baker, Vice President, Finance, Administration and Indigenous Services at 705.235.3211 ext. 7122 or bakerm@northern.on.ca.

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