Tag Archives: Elders

Module 4 (Post 1) – Authentic Engagement of First Nations and Metis Traditional Knowledge Keepers in Saskatchewan

The more I read about about Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Science in education, the more I have come to realize that the wisdom of Elders and Knowledge Keepers is an invaluable resource to educators. Speaking from personal experience, I know that it can be difficult to ask for advice or information from Traditional Knowledge Keepers if one doesn’t know the appropriate protocols for respectful engagement. I was very happy to find this resource that is the result of a meeting between 24 First Nations and Metis Knowledge Keepers from the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene,
and Métis nations across Saskatchewan. I believe that the information contained in this resource can help educators to initiate respectful conversation with members of the Indigenous nations in their local regions.

From the document:

“The goal of this document is to outline the consistencies in protocol that emerged from across the province of Saskatchewan. Therefore, this document is intended to only be a starting point for community agencies to begin working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis Traditional Knowledge Keepers.”

Find the document here.

Module 4 post 5 (Sam Charles)

The process of discovery is so much fun, and to stumble upon a new worthwhile resource is awesome. These five sites provide some excellent examples of video as a method to disseminate Indigenous knowledge, and will be included in the video repository of my final project.

  1. Documenting elders on film
  2. Listen to the knowledge of the elders
  3. First Nations Pedagogy
  4. The contribution of indigenous elders: An example of intergenerational solidarity
  5. Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

1. Listen to the knowledge of the elders

The National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education (NCCIE) is hosted by First Nations University of Canada. This site provides a full video catalogue featuring over 200 videos highlighting First Nations, Metis, and Inuit ways of knowing and being. The site provides a searchable directory of audio and video resources.

https://www.nccie.ca/knowledge-space/elder-knowledge/

2. Documenting elders on film

Director Sarain Fox has produced some wonderful videos highlighting Indigenous culture, and many feature Elders including her auntie and matriarch Mary Bell. This documentary is extremely powerful. “We are people of our land, and people of our stories.”

https://www.cbc.ca/shortdocs/shorts/inendi

3. First Nations Pedagogy

This site curated by two educators provides resources related to Indigenous pedagogy.

https://firstnationspedagogy.ca. The site led me to the Grandmothers Wisdom Project.

The Project is intended to supporting all people reclaiming their relationship to Mother Earth, calling for a profound transformation in the heart, mind, and spirit.

https://www.grandmotherswisdom.org/

4. McMaster Indigenous Elder projects

I found several Elder videos posted by McMaster University. Many are related to health and Indigenous knowledge in this area. This is an interesting blog post about the contributions of elders with health contexts.

https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2021/08/25/the-contribution-of-indigenous-elders-an-example-of-intergenerational-solidarity

5. Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

The MFERC provides services and supports to First Nation schools in Manitoba. They also have a collection of documentaries and videos featuring elders.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6UdcrR9HVgLR-0-ZrUysM0EmokbxC0i_

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6UdcrR9HVgKnWAVfMpXYlfGR9VWjQuHX