Gathering at the Headwaters
Join us for our 6th annual Gathering at Mississippi’s Headwaters. Be with people of faith and conscience as we affirm Indigenous sovereignty and nurture connections with our land, water, and all living creatures. Come away invigorated by the real change we are creating, and the multitude of ways we honor and respect one another and the Earth.
This event will be held in conjunction with a Fire Light Mississippi Reunion commemorating the Treaty People Gathering and the beginning of the Fire Light encampment.
The host organizations for this gathering are Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, RISE Coalition, and Honor the Earth.
REGISTRATION BELOW!
Schedule:
Our “home base” for this family-friendly gathering is the Lake Ozawindib Group Center at Itasca State Park. We will have opportunities in the surrounding area to be in community as we offer prayers by the waters, sing and hear good music, share stories from the Line 3 resistance movement, learn what’s still in jeopardy, and connect with nature and one another.
Below is a general outline of the weekend. Join us for part of a day or the whole weekend!
- Friday, June 2: Arrival; the Ozawindib camp opens at 5:00 pm
- Saturday, June 3: Time at the Fire Light Mississippi camp; lunch and activities at LaSalle Lake State Recreation Area; guided nature walk; dip in Lake La Salle; singing and unity activities; optional visit to the IEN Teaching Garden in Bemidji; evening community meal catered by Josie’s Family Fry Bread; readings from the new Line 3 Anthology; music with Sunni Leilani
- Sunday, June 4: Multifaith prayer circle at the Headwaters, 11:00 am; box lunches provided; departure
Cost:
All are welcome! We do not want finances to be a barrier, so please register and come whether or not you can donate. For those who can financially support this event, please make a suggested donation of $75-$250 per person.
The host organizations are providing most meals, tent lodging, the group campsite, and activities. Your gift helps us cover the costs involved in this event and ensures it can be financially accessible to all. Donations can be made online or in person at the camp.
Lodging:
All participants are responsible for making their own accommodations. Our home base at the Ozawindib campsite has options for tent camping or camping in your vehicle at no additional cost.
The organizers of the Fire Light reunion also invite you to camp with them in the ditch where the encampment was named along Mississippi. This is located about 8 miles from Itasca.
Cabins, suites, and rooms may also be available to rent in the Itasca State Park or the La Salle Lake State Recreation Area. Make a reservation directly through the DNR. You can also search for hotels, motels, or private rentals in the area.
Food:
Light dinner/snacks on Friday night, Saturday’s picnic lunch, the Saturday evening community meal, and lunch at the Headwaters will be provided to all attendees. If you will be staying at the Ozawindib group campsite, breakfast will be provided both Saturday and Sunday. We will strive to offer vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options in addition to meat.