Many Winters Gathering of Elders-Angels Gate Cultural Center

The Many Winters Gathering of Elders (MWGOE) Organizing Committee is excited to announce its 18th MWGOE, scheduled for Thursday, October 10th through Sunday, October 13th from 11am to 6pm at Angels Gate Cultural Center(AGCC) in San Pedro, CA on Gabrieleno Tongva Territory. 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 host Native ceremonies throughout the four days. MWGOE is held in partnership with AGCC, open to the public, free to attend and family friendly

The MWGOE plays a vital role in the Native community of greater Los Angeles, with the participation and support of the original peoples of the land. The vision of the Gathering is to host a sacred space for people to come together, with the intention to listen, learn from and support Indigenous communities, and to inspire a healthier future for all people.

Elders from local tribes including Gabrielino Shoshone, Gabrielino Tongva, Ackachemen, Fernandeno Tataviam, Chumash and other California tribes have attended in the past and will join this October. Tribal elders from other regions(Arizona, Minnesote, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, 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, and is part of intergenerational healing from historical trauma.

The 2024 MWGOE Logo Art was created by Meyo Marrufo (Eastern Pomo from the Clear Lake Basin, and citizens of Robinson Rancheria).

HISTORY of MWGOE

The first MWGOE was held on October 12, 1992, in response to the false narrative represented by the quincentennial celebrations of Christopher Columbus’ “discovery of America.” Today, the Gathering continues to be an important occasional for the Native/Indigenous community, to reconnect to and practice ceremony, and to celebrate over 530 years of spiritual survival. It also allows access for the general public to learn and acknowledge the traditional knowledge and vallues that have supported and sustained Native lifeways.

During the Many Winters Gathering of Elders, no alcohol, drugs, cameras, pictures, video or other recording equipment are allowed; the MWGOE Organizing Committee reequests that attendees respect and observe ceremonial protocol, available on the MWGOE Linktree. No dogs/pets allowed near or around the arbor of sweatlodge areas, Angels Gate Cultural Center is located at 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA, 90731.

For more information regarding the 18th MWGOE, please visit the MWGOE site, MWGOE Linktree, or call (562) 265-8820