The Elders' Initiative ensures that Indigenous students and the college community can benefit from the knowledge and guidance of these important community members.
Elders, May Sam (left), Kathy and Doug LaFortune (centre), Victor Underwood (right)
Who can request a meeting with an Elder?
Camosun Students
Students may wish to request a meeting with an Elder for many reasons if they are seeking another perspective as they serve as teachers, advisors, counsellors and healers. Our world is constantly changing and they can give a grounding and understanding of current and past events. Elders are knowledge keepers of tradition and culture and can provide emotional support in a non-judgmental environment. They're also sought out to resolve conflict while conveying cultural teachings.
Camosun Employees
Employees may request an elder to speak to a classroom or to attend an event to share wisdom through spirituality and tradition that shapes their lives as well as the guidance they provide to others.
What to know before making a request
There are certain teachings that need to be understood before making a request for an Elder. In order to maintain the strong relationship that has developed between the Elders and Camosun the following should be adhered to:
- All requests for Elders must go through the Elders Coordinator. This helps to ensure that all requests are made in an appropriate way that is consistent with Elder(s) culture and/or ways of being.
- Please note: Requests may take up to 8 weeks. It is of the utmost importance to plan ahead and respect the timelines.
- Elders receive an honorarium for their time. The honorarium is $60 per hour plus travel time, from $250 to $500 per day. If your department or event doesn’t have a budget for this please discuss this with the Elders Coordinator.
- When you invite an Elder to your class, event, and/or meeting it is very important that you arrange to meet the Elder with a parking pass. There are two dedicated Elder parking spaces at Lansdowne Campus and one at Interurban campus. It is important that our Elders get to and from the class, event, and/or meeting without stress or worry.
- While the Elder receives an honorarium for their time it is common practice to give a small gift of appreciation for the knowledge that the Elder(s) is sharing. The gift could be a signed card of appreciation, a department-specific gift, a small blanket, something traditional from your own culture, or something that you have made. The gift is about reciprocity and thanks. If you require help please contact the Elders Coordinator.
- Please be sure to have water and/or food available for the Elder depending on the length of time they will be with you.
- If you are inviting an Elder(s) to an event with a meal be sure to serve the Elders first. Some Elders may want to serve themselves so it is best to ask.
- While you may know and understand the teachings used in one territory, please be aware that Camosun operates in Coast and Straits Salish territory and as such we work to follow the teachings of this place and its peoples. If you are unsure of anything please contact the Elders Coordinator.
- If you are meeting with an Elder be sure to leave plenty of time because it is up to the Elder when the meeting is finished. That being said, the Elders do understand the way the modern world works and take that into account.