Many Winters Gathering of Elders

The MWGOE is a four-day gathering where Native/Indigenous Elders and knowledge-keepers from across the country gather to share teachings through oral tradition with the community. The Gathering also hosts various Native ceremonies that take place throughout the four days. The event is free, family-friendly, open to the public, and held in partnership with AGCC.

Elders from local tribes including Gabrielino-Tongva, Acjachemen, Fernandeño Tataviam, Chumash, and other California tribes have attended in the past and will join in October. Tribal elders from other regions (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota and others) are expected, as well. The Gathering takes place under an arbor which serves as the traditional place of teaching and learning – where Elders pass on knowledge to the younger generation, which is part of intergenerational healing from historical trauma.

During the Many Winters Gathering of Elders, no alcohol, drugs, cameras, pictures, video or other recording equipment are allowed; the MWGOE Organizing Committee requests that attendees respect and observe ceremonial protocol, including no pets. Traditional ceremony attire is observed – long skirt (feminine identifying), pants (masculine identifying), however it is not mandatory, and we observe and support our LGBTQ2S relatives’ gender or nonbinary expression, including attire.

This event is presented through generous support from the Department of Cultural Affairs City of Los Angeles, the Pechanga Foundation, the Perenchio Foundation, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Society of Native Nations, Pala Band of Mission Indians, and The Associated Students UCLA. We would also like to thank the local San Pedro Neighborhood Councils including Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council as well as individual community members for their support.