Anishinaabe Elders and Youth share perspectives on aging as part of first-of-its-kind discussion hosted by the Trent Centre for Aging & Society
Western society often treats aging as something to resist, but for many Indigenous communities, growing older is a process woven with knowledge, purpose, and intergenerational connection. Aging is not an endpoint but a cycle of life and continuation one that strengthens both the individual and the community, and a desired experience
Speakers at the Anishinaabe Indigenous Intergenerational Growing Old/Aging (AIIGO) Gathering. From left: Dr. Nadine Changfoot, Alice Olsen Williams, Bailley Taylor (Curve Lake), Anne Taylor and Sandra Moore (Hiawatha)
This perspective was at the heart of the Anishinaabe Indigenous Intergenerational Growing Old/Aging (AIIGO) Gathering, a first-of-its-kind discussion centering Indigenous voices in communities and in aging studies. AIIGO helped strengthen the cultural fabric of Peterborough/Nogojiwanong and deepened relationships between Trent University, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and First Nations of the Williams Treaties.
"AIIGO serves as a foundation for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful change in how Anishinaabe and Indigenous growing old/aging is understood and supported across cultures," said Dr. Nadine Changfoot, acting director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS).
The moving stories shared challenge dominant Western narratives and offer another way to understand aging one rooted in respect, tradition, and reciprocal care. Elders are not a burden but knowledge keepers and teachers, shaping younger generations through language, cultural traditions, and storytelling.
Speakers such as Alice Olsen Williams (who will be awarded Trent's highest honour, an Honorary Doctorate, at convocation) , Anne Taylor, Bailley Taylor (Curve Lake), and Sandra Moore (Hiawatha) shared how they and Indigenous communities value aging and how important it is to grow old in their communities with families and relations. Dr. Sean Hillier (Qalipu) of York University has identified seven key themes of Indigenous aging: culture, community, holistic health, spirituality, respect, land, and resilience.
Dr. Hillier noted that initiatives such as intergenerational housing models, land-based healing, and language revitalization in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Nunavik are restoring relationships between youth and elders. These efforts offer lessons for reshaping aging in broader society.
One audience member shared that the discussions provided useful and eye-opening knowledge and perspectives': "I am incredibly grateful that I was able to attend. I had the opportunity to diversify my knowledge around Indigenous education and revitalizing Indigenous culture, language, and more. I learned about aging in Indigenous community, and the widespread impacts of colonialism and systems. I also learned about the importance of intergenerational connections and relationships."
Indigenous perspectives remind us that aging is not about economic productivity, but about relationships, storytelling, communities, and contributing to something larger than oneself. As Elder Anne Taylor put it, "aging is a beautiful thing" and conversations like AIIGO will help the world to see it that way.
AIIGO was supported by the CIHR Café Scientifique Program and Trent University's Office of the President. Read more stories about the Trent Centre for Aging & Society, the Trent Lands Plan, and Seniors Village.
