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.