42nd Annual Native American
Elders and Youth Gathering

July 24th – 26th, 2026

Children’s Program

and Music Tent activities for all ages

Friday and Saturday
10:00 am – 11:30 am
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

The Youth Program needs the child in YOU from ages 2-100. Please join us Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am-11:30 am and 2:00 pm-3:30 pm.

Over the four sessions we will listen to Grandmother Tatjana and Grandmother Hears Crow sharing their medicine of storytelling along with Dawna Hammers who will share her medicine of music.

Children and the child within, are invited to create flags of gratitude and rattles, so our prayers can ascend and be carried in a good way with wind and sound.

All ages are welcome to participate for one session or all four sessions! Adults may accompany their child in the Children’s Tent or if they prefer to drop off let the organizers of the Children’s Tent know where they will be.

Fun will be had by all!

Children hold a place of honor. They represent our future and the future of all our relations for the next seven generations. We do our best to create a safe and loving environment where children can grow, learn, and be happy. During the annual Elders and Youth Gathering a tent is set up on the land specifically for the Children’s program. Family members and parents are to supervise their children’s activities while on the land and know where they are at all times. Some programs offer activities for school- age children during workshop sessions. Check with registration for the availability of children’s programs.

Children are welcome to sit and listen with their relatives in the Arbor. By inviting our children into ceremonies and teachings we give them the opportunity to learn about the ceremonies and ceremonial etiquette over a lifetime through the example set by their relatives and the rest of the community. Therefore, it is important for all to remember that the children are always watching us. Relatives and close family friends are encouraged to speak quietly to their children to help them understand what is being shared or help direct their energy to appropriate activities.