A DAY OF LEARNING WITH
INDIGENOUS VOICES AND PERSPECTIVES
In 2027, the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open to the public for the first time in 134 years. Gathering of Tribes, an Indigenous-led 501(c) (3) nonprofit, invites you to come inside and hear from Indigenous Latter-day Saints about what the temple means to them. We come to listen as well as to share, and we honor the spirituality inherent in Indigenous traditions and cultures.
Join us for a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship: a sunrise prayer ceremony, practical presentations, and a guided tour of the temple.
Who should come: Native and Indigenous leaders, tribal council members, educators, spiritual leaders, and families. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.
Our mission: To bring Native leaders, Indigenous families, and Church leaders together for a historic day of worship, learning, and fellowship centered on the Creator, Jesus Christ. We seek to honor Native nations and their sovereignty, build bridges of understanding and healing, and connect Native communities with opportunities that strengthen families and future generations.
Our vision: Lasting relationships in which Native nations are honored, and Indigenous people feel welcomed and valued. May our devotion and gratitude to the Creator inspire understanding, healing, and service, and begin partnerships that bless Native communities for generations.
WHY ATTEND
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Pray with us at sunrise. Join us at first light to pray over the land, and bring your own prayers and songs.
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Come inside the Salt Lake Temple on a guided tour to explore its history and discover what makes it deeply sacred to the Latter-day Saint community.
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Learn from Indigenous voices about the Church and the temple, and share your own connection to the Creator.
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Take home practical ideas from presentations on education, humanitarian aid, conservation, language, and family history, shared as models for Native communities.
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Build relationships with Indigenous and community leaders from many Native nations and communities.
SCHEDULE
Regalia, traditional dress, and business casual attire are all appropriate.
6:45 AM Sunrise Ceremony (open to all, families welcome)
9:00 AM Welcome and Indigenous Voices (best suited to ages 12+)
11:00 AM Program Presentations (best suited to ages 12+)
12:00 PM Lunch and Networking
2:30 PM Group Photo at the Temple
3:00 PM Guided Temple Tour (families are welcome)
GOOD TO KNOW
Attendance is FREE.
Travel and lodging are the responsibility of attendees.
Hotels: A list of hotels offering discounted rates is available download now
General Conference: Guests who wish to attend the Church's 197th Annual General Conference, April 3–4, 2027, can arrange tickets through their local stake or ward leaders. Gathering of Tribes cannot provide General Conference tickets. Learn more about General Conference by visiting churchofjesuschrist.org
Registration: Registration is required. Locations and arrival details will be sent to registered guests. Space is limited for the morning programs. The sunrise prayer ceremony and the temple tours can accommodate everyone who registers.
Families: Families are welcome at the sunrise ceremony and the guided temple tours. The morning sessions include longer talks and are best suited to ages 12 and older.
What to wear: Regalia, traditional dress, and business casual attire are all appropriate.
No proselytizing. You are our guest, and you decide how much you want to participate.
FAQ
What is this gathering? An invitation to the Salt Lake Temple open house for Native and community leaders on April 2, 2027, the first time the temple opens to the public in 134 years. We begin with a sunrise prayer ceremony, then spend the day listening, learning, and building relationships.
Who is organizing it? Gathering of Tribes, a nonprofit led by Indigenous members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is holding this day in collaboration with the Church. Church leaders will also take part.
Do I have to be a Latter-day Saint? No. Leaders and families of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. We especially hope Native leaders and spiritual leaders who are not members will join us.
Will I be asked to do or believe anything? No. There will be no proselytizing. You are our honored guest, and you decide how much to take part in. We come to listen as well as to share, and we honor the spirituality inherent in Indigenous traditions and cultures.
What is the sunrise prayer ceremony? An open gathering at first light, hosted by Gathering of Tribes, with songs, drumming, and prayers to bless the land and all who come. We warmly invite you to pray over the land with us. You may ask to offer a prayer, song, or blessing when you register. Regalia, traditional dress, and business casual attire are all appropriate.
What will the presentations cover? Practical presentations on programs in education, humanitarian aid, conservation, language, and family history that may serve as models for Native communities. When you register, you can tell us which interests you most.
What will the temple tour be like? Come inside the Salt Lake Temple on a guided tour. It begins with a video, and then guests are taken into several areas of the temple where ceremonies are performed. You will begin to understand why the temple is sacred to Latter-day Saints, and hear what it means to Indigenous members.
What does it cost? Who pays for travel? Attendance is free. Travel and lodging are the responsibility of attendees. A list of hotels offering discounted rates is on our website.
What is General Conference? A worldwide gathering of the Church, held twice a year, where leaders speak about Jesus Christ and offer guidance. Each session is about two hours, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, and is broadcast around the world, interpreted into more than 100 languages, including Navajo and Apache.
Can I bring my family? Families are welcome at the sunrise ceremony and the temple tours. The morning sessions include longer talks and are best suited to ages 12 and older.
Questions? Write to slc2027@gatheringoftribes.org