06/14/2025
Call for Volunteers
Wi’kipaltimk 2025 - A Gathering for All to Commemorate Indian Day School Survivors & Celebrate Mi’kmaq Culture - Open Hearth Park, Sydney August 8-10, 2025
We’re reaching out with a heartfelt invitation to support Wi’kipaltimk – A Mawio’mi (Gathering) for All, a powerful three-day event happening August 8–10, 2025 at Open Hearth Park in Sydney, Unama’ki (Cape Breton).
Wi’kipaltimk, the Mi’kmaq word for feast, is a sacred act of gathering with purpose—a space for honouring Indian Day School Survivors, celebrating Mi’kmaq culture, and fostering healing, unity, and reconciliation.
This gathering is being held to commemorate Indian Day School Survivors and to celebrate and uplift Mi’kmaq culture through art, music, storytelling, food, and community. Wi’kipaltimk will feature:
Mawio’mi/Powwow
Cultural Demonstrations
Live daily performances by Indigenous artists
A vendor marketplace featuring Indigenous crafters and artisans
Youth programming & workshops
Food experiences
We’re currently seeking volunteers to help bring this vision to life and support the flow of the event with care and cultural sensitivity. Roles may include:
Pre-event support
Volunteers, Registration and info booth support
Production Team support & runner
Site upkeep
General hospitality, support and runner roles
Helping Elders and guests navigate the space
Artist and marketplace coordination support
Youth program and workshop assistance
Event logistics and set-up/tear-down
Green room support
PowWow
Cultural Village
Whether you’re available for a few hours, a full day or all three days, your presence and energy can help make this gathering truly special. A training and orientation overview will be provided, and all volunteers will receive cultural awareness resources in advance.
If you’d like to be part of this meaningful experience, please complete the volunteer application at the following link: https://forms.gle/8tYZxZ9BFRT6Ycp3A
Everyone is welcome—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—because Wi’kipaltimk is a gathering for all.
Wela’lin,
Jennifer A Stewart
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🧡 Jukwita’q – join us to honour Indian Day School Survivors
✨ Celebrate Mi’kmaq culture with music, mawio’mi, crafts
📍 Open Hearth Park, Aug 8-10