Restoring the leadership role of Indigenous Elders within their communities and to advance the cultural authority of the Elder.
Restoring the voice of Aboriginal Elders in the community
What We Did
This program engaged the Elders and others in the community to implement changes that restore the Elders’ role and cultural responsibilities, in particular their ability to influence youth and maintain traditional cultural knowledge and practices.
How We Did It
Our goal to restore Elders’ positions in the community as keepers of knowledge and as mentors of people, young and old, through involvement in school activities, understanding of the bush and hunting and gathering bush foods, language and ceremonial activities and passing on dreaming stories. These are necessities for the survival of Aboriginal culture.
The Elders Program strengthens communities and returns purpose and pride to the lives of individuals.
Our Services
We worked with communities to:
Increase the role Elders play in the community
Facilitate an environment toward one that respects, listens and learns from the Elders
Create an environment of friendship and sharing with non-Indigenous people, formally and socially
Develop a schedule of planned actions, activities and events that can be used for improving communication, understanding and co-operation
Engage local Elders for cultural mapping- language, song, dance, hierarchy and authority, etc.