The Great Gathering Place

By: Naomi McIlwraith

Published by Kids Can Press Ltd, 2026-06-02

A gorgeous and powerful celebration of the meeting places where we find belonging and community. This poetic book begins: “Let’s go to the Great Gathering Place. Come, I’ll take you in my big red canoe.” Readers are led to a gathering spot along a river, where we’ll meet and visit with people, talk about good things and bad, rejoice and celebrate. We’ll speak to our ancestors. We’ll build a fire and feast. We’ll give thanks. And we’ll pledge to always be gentle, always be generous, always be kind - and always love our friends and relatives. A moving tribute that honors Indigenous values and the meeting places that are special to each of us.