Approximately 100 Indigenous youth from across North America gathered in Utah from April 3–5, 2026, for the “Gathering of Tribes: Faith and Future” event. Hosted by Gathering of Tribes — an organization founded by Cindy Quinney of Onion Lake First Nation, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — the event blended spiritual devotion, cultural celebration and academic and career exploration.
Youth participants visited the Orem Utah Temple, attended general conference, toured the Church’s Missionary Training Center in Provo and spent some time at Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah. These experiences were designed to help the youth see how faith, identity, education and career goals can move forward together.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The youth attended language lessons and culturally grounded workshops from Indigenous scholars, including Anthony Rivera (BYU ancient scripture professor, Acjachemen Nation) and Charity Fleming (Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Social Work, Wabauskang Nation). Jerrhan First Charger (Blood Tribe, Alberta) and Kiki Adolpho (Siksika Nation, Alberta) inspired youth through their performances with BYU Living Legends, modelling a strong commitment to Indigenous culture and faith in Jesus Christ and showing how both can be lived with purpose and pride.
Gathering of Tribes event organizers Shane Manning and Rachel Crouse (Mvskoke Creek and Hopi Nations) emphasized that the event sought to equip youth, both spiritually and practically, as they prepare for future schooling and employment. Campus visits introduced participants to post-secondary education environments, admissions possibilities and career pathways, while reinforcing that Indigenous identity and religious belief are strengths in personal and professional development.
“This experience affirmed that as Indigenous youth reconnect with their identity and each other, they can simultaneously deepen their faith in Jesus Christ,” said Andi Gooch, Gathering of Tribes mentor for young women. “Cultural belonging and spiritual conviction are not separate paths but part of the same divine gathering.”
Throughout the weekend, cultural teachings, Indigenous languages and traditional practices were woven into workshops and devotionals, creating a space where youth felt both culturally grounded and spiritually uplifted. Devotional sessions featured speakers such as Brad Wilcox and Gavriel Wise, an Ojibwe actor widely known for portraying Jesus Christ in the Church’s “Greater Love” campaign.
Wise shared a message of personal worth and divine purpose, reminding youth that their future paths are not limited by uncertainty or doubt. “Jesus Christ has been with you since your very first breath and in every breath,” he said. “He is with you on your journey, and He has already chosen you.” Wise encouraged the youth to know Christ more deeply.
For many participants, the gathering marked significant first-time spiritual experiences. During the event, Mya Burch, an Anishinaabe youth from Lethbridge, Alberta, attended general conference for the first time. “It was an astonishing experience hearing the Tabernacle Choir sing and people sharing their stories,” she said. “It made me feel connected to them and to the Lord Jesus Christ … knowing that I am imperfect, too, but still loved and accepted by God.”
The gathering concluded Easter morning as youth attended general conference together, followed by a musical presentation of the 2026 Youth Theme song, “Walk with Me,” led by Charity Fleming and Ashlee Gomez. The performance incorporated a traditional Indigenous vocable chorus — “wey ya hey” — symbolizing unity, gratitude and shared purpose.
The youth shared the song with General Authority Seventies Elder James E. Evanson and Elder Michael A. Dunn during a livestreamed performance at Temple Square. More than 100,000 viewers have enjoyed the performance on Instagram.
In addition to Manning and Crouse, Andi Gooch, Joaquin Kasey Dominguez and Cindy Quinney helped organize the event. The organizers said the “Gathering of Tribes: Faith and Future” event stands as a powerful example of how faith in Jesus Christ, cultural identity and preparation for future education and employment can come together to help Indigenous youth move forward with confidence, purpose and hope.