A culture centred on “All My Relations” is the foundation of all First Nations teaching and learning. The inclusion of Elders in the process can be described as the ‘heart’ of First Nations Pedagogy. Since Pre-Colonial times, Elders have been the Gatekeepers of First Nations wisdom, knowledge, and history. Elders traditionally hold crucial roles in supporting both formal and informal education in First Nations communities. They impart tradition, knowledge, culture, values, and lessons using orality and role modeling traditional practices.They are important knowledge keepers, and they also help to ensure cultural continuity.
In 2013, The Elders in Schools Program provides an opportunity for Elders to be teachers within the school setting. The program was developed to ensure every school has an elder. The main purpose is for students and staff to learn from the elders about the the wisdom, knowledge and experiences, as well as their language and traditional skills of the local people in the aboriginal communities in NWT.
https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/services/renouveau-en-education-aux-tno/elders-schools-program
A similar pilot project was developedled by the Tlicho Community Services Agency in 2019.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/pilot-program-tlicho-language-program-1.5082117