FIRST NATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CANADA
FNUniv and UofR Hosted Elders' Gathering on Medicinal Plant Healing Traditions During Fall Term Break

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), in partnership with the University of Regina's Indigenous Knowledge and Science program, successfully hosted the third Elders' Gathering on Medicinal Plants and Languages over the Fall Term Break. The two-day event created a culturally grounded learning space where students, faculty, staff, and community members engaged with Indigenous Healing Traditions through four Teaching Circles led by distinguished Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

The Gathering continued a series of successful workshops first held at FNUniv during Congress 2018 and most recently featured at the 2024 Turtle Island Indigenous Science Conference. This year's event strengthened opportunities for intergenerational learning in a non-academic setting, encouraging dialogue, reflection, and knowledge sharing rooted in land-based teachings and Indigenous languages.

On Thursday, November 13, attendees gathered in the FNUniv Regina Campus Multipurpose Room for Teaching Circles led by Elder Margaret Keewatin (Okanese First Nation, All Nations Healing Hospital) and Métis Knowledge Keeper Mandi Elles (Lestock, SK / Fort Belknap, MT). Their sessions highlighted the importance of plant medicines, traditional wellness practices, and cultural identity in sustaining health and community well-being. The afternoon concluded with refreshments and open discussion.

On Friday, November 14, the Gathering continued at the University of Regina in the Education Building (Room 228), where Elder William Ratfoot (Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation) and Elder Margaret Reynolds (English River First Nation) offered teachings connected to their Nations' healing practices, ceremonial use of plants, and the role of language in preserving traditional knowledge. Participants again joined in conversation following the sessions, deepening connections across the university community.

The Gathering welcomed members from both FNUniv and the University of Regina, reinforcing the institutions' shared commitment to Indigenous-led education, cultural revitalization, and land-based learning.