42nd Annual Native American Elders and Youth Gathering

Restorative Abundance

July 24th – 26th, 2026

Join us for the 42nd Annual Elders and Youth Gathering on July 24–26, 2026

Participate under the arbor at Sunray Peace Village in Lincoln, Vermont or on Zoom.

Hosted by Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo,
Pema Sangdzin Khandro, Founder and Spiritual Director of the Sunray Meditation Society, is the 27th-generation lineage holder of the ancestral Ywahoo lineage of the Ani Yun Wi Wa (Cherokee) tradition. She is also Chief of the Green Mountain Band of the Ani Yun Wi Wa peoples, a community composed of her relatives and descendants of the original Ani Yun Wi Wa.

What are we planting now—and what will it become?

This year’s theme, Restorative Abundance, begins with a simple but essential reflection.

Just as gardens are planted in the spring, we are always planting the next stage of family, community, and human life. In times of transition, what we choose to cultivate matters.

What skills, practices, and ways of being can we bring forward to nurture relationships that are strong, balanced, and life-giving—for people, for the land, and for all living beings?

A Gathering Rooted in Lived Wisdom

Throughout the weekend, elders will bring forward the lived wisdom of their families, clans, and cultures, with a focus on how communities move through dissonance.

How are relationships repaired?
How is trust restored?
What makes reconciliation possible?

This work lives in how we speak with one another, how we listen, how we take responsibility, and how we return to right relationship—with each other and with Earth.

What You’ll Experience

Friday night: A heart-centered concert, featuring Lee Mixashawn Rozie and Grandmother Joani Henry (7:00-9:00pm) at Burnham Hall in Lincoln, VT ($20)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: The 42nd Elders and Youth Gathering

Daily Wisdom Teachings throughout the weekend
Women’s Moon-Time Circles from an Abenaki Perspective
Art and Music Activities for Children
A Powerful Healing Celebration on Saturday Night

This year’s speakers include:

Grandfather Mike Bastine
Tatjana Cady and Tom Cady
Grandmother Tatjana will hold women’s moontime teachings
Dr. Rudy Schild and Jane Struss
Reverend Katherine Amtul Hannan (on zoom)
SkyRoad Webb, Coast Miwok leader (on zoom)
Grandmother Joani Henry and Firekeeper Jon Delson
Reverend Co’Relous Bryant
Zacciah Blackburn and Dorothy Stone
Aztec dance group Kalpulli Tletl Papalotzin

Monday: After sitting with the elders and honored speakers in the arbor at Sunray, the Monday workshops give participants the opportunity to sit at length (2-3 hours) with a Culture Keeper and explore wisdom teachings in depth. (additional fee)

Camping and delicious food are available for purchase during the weekend. There are abundant opportunities to volunteer. This is a unique opportunity to experience the healing and transformation of good medicine created together in a welcoming, drug- and alcohol-free space.

All are welcome—join us in person or participate on Zoom!

In-person fee: $390
Online only fee: $150
Camping and meals are not included
Discounts for Early Registration

Come as you are. Bring your questions, your listening, and your willingness to be part of what is growing.

Registration Opening Soon

for the

42nd Annual Native American Elders and Youth Gathering

July 24th – 26th, 2026

THIS YEAR’S THEME:
Restorative Abundance

Just as the gardens are planted in the Spring, let us also plant the next stages of family, clan and human activity.
Planting our gardens to an abundant harvest in times of transition.
What are your specific skills that you can plant to embody successful, abundant relationships
for the benefit of family, clan, land, nations and all beings?

REGISTER

Are you interested in joining the Planning Committee?
Email us at e [email protected]

DONATE

Thank you for your generous donations supporting Elders’ travel,
lodging and food, as well as other event related expenses.

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