Aboriginal Elder Support : A Safe Place

How our Elder Can Support You

Elders hold key roles in supporting both formal and informal education in our Indigenous communities. Strongly connected to the past, Elders are teachers, healers, advisors, storytellers, and counselors.

Our Elder provides support to our Indigenous and Non- Indigenous women and children by connecting; listening; and teaching through storytelling to ignite pride, purpose, and passion for the past, present, and future. Our Elder may also be called upon for or provide:

Smudging

a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.

Seven Sacred Teachings

a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. They are what were and what continues to be necessary for survival.

Talking Circles

Circles allow participants to see and understand each other. It promotes understanding, builds trust, supports problem-solving, and reminds us that we are not alone. Trauma and shame are replaced by learning.

Four Sacred Medicines

Three other plants, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass, follow tobacco, and together they are referred to as the four sacred medicines. These medicines are used to treat the spiritual origins of disease as well as physical symptoms.

I invite you to take time to learn about the Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Please take the time to peruse the Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples recommendations, the Truth & Reconciliation Commission recommendations as well as the MMIWG recommendations. We all have a role to play in rebuilding relationships with Indigenous peoples based on mutual respect and understanding. Learning about the histories, cultures and traditions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people is a first step. We must all do our part.

Ruth, Elder Tweet

Leading social research on contemporary indigenous issues in Canada has evidenced that the higher rates of domestic violence and abuse amongst indigenous people are a direct result of colonization, deculturation, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma. A Safe Place has committed to a spirit of healing and reconciliation honoring the many families that we serve whose histories have led them to our services. A Safe Place is grateful to have the support of an Indigenous Elder to guide us in supporting Indigenous women and their children to take the first steps towards a better future together.