LINCOLN — The Sunray Peace Village of Lincoln will host the 40th Annual Native American Elders and Youth Gathering this summer on July 26 through July 28. This year’s theme is “Earth Awareness: How Our Hearts Resonate with the Voice of Myriad Galaxies.”

This gathering gives people the opportunity to learn the ancestral wisdom of indigenous elders and youth alike as well as other cross-cultural offerings.

Events include daily Elder and Youth Teachings in the main Arbor, workshops, daily circle of women’s and girl’s moon-time teachings from an Abenaki perspective, art and music. Organizers said highlights will include the Ywahoo Lineage Healing Celebration Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (open and free to the public) and Celebratory markers of each phase of life on Sunday.

The Sacred Fires in the Arbor & Moon Arbor will be lit at 7 a.m. on the opening morning and closed at the end of the program on Sunday. The Ceremonial Fire represents the one light from which all beings have arisen. Firekeepers from the Sunray Meditation Society ensure that it is fed properly and stays burning.

Camping and food are available for purchase. There will be abundant volunteer opportunities.

Come in-person or on Zoom. All are welcome at this drug-free and alcohol-free event. 

For more information and to register, go online to sunray.org/eldersgathering.