Description: The Celebration of Relationships event is a full day interactive gathering starting at 9 AM on February 28th, 2026 at Trent University (Wenjack Theatre, Peterborough Campus). The gathering features two keynote presentations: Joseph Pitawanakwat, Anishinaabe Knowledge Holder and Founder of Creators Garden, and Dr. Grant Gilchrist of Carleton University and the Northern Conservation Division National Wildlife Research Centre.
Presenters: Joseph Pitawanakwat will be speaking on his journey to learn and teach about Anishinaabe Mshkikii Awaadiziwin, plant medicine knowledge, as well as the interconnections he has found in Anishinaabe bird names and the relational and ecological connections inherent in Anishinaabemowin. Joseph has learned from hundreds of traditional knowledge holders and uniquely blends this knowledge with and reinforces it with an array of western sciences. Dr. Grant Gilchrist will speak about his research including original studies of arctic sea ducks and pelagic seabirds in Canada and Greenland for the conservation and management of these species, as well as the harvesting of marine bird species for sustenance by Indigenous Peoples.
Workshop: Join Joseph Pitawanakwat, Andrés Jiménez and Junaid Khan for a workshop about the depth of ecological knowledge housed in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) bird names. Whereas western scientific naming focuses on the most obvious of physical characteristics, geographic range, or paying homage to Europeans, Anishinaabemowin allows us to learn about the roles these incredible flying beings play within our world. In turn, we can learn how best to help and support their populations for generations to come.