Elders: Guides and Advisors on the path to the ICWC — Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre Edmonton

Elders are living libraries for Indigenous communities across the world. They are the Knowledge Keepers that guide and advise Indigenous projects, organizations, initiatives and people. The stories they hold and share are paramount to keeping Indigenous cultures alive and thriving. Elders in Indigenous cultures don’t necessarily indicate age, however it does indicate that this person has received teachings and knowledge specific to their culture, is very spiritual, and has lived experience to impart wisdom and advice among their community. They live their lives according to the values, teachings and principles from an Indigenous way of knowing.

When the Indigenous Culture and Wellness Centre (ICWC) was brought forward by Indigenous community members to EndPovertyEdmonton (EPE) back in 2014, it was not a new idea to Indigenous folks living in Edmonton. This idea has echoed among Indigenous communities for decades. Thanks to the Elders in the communities, the ICWC Steering Committee was able to gather knowledge about the work that had been done before to bring this project to fruition. Before the work began, Elders were brought in to ensure the project started in ceremony and the appropriate teachings were shared with the group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. To this day, Elders continue to guide the work of the ICWC Steering Committee.

“Elders are critical in guiding the work of the ICWC. Their vision of a gathering place and wellness center in our city began with them long ago. It's important that we as a community understand that this work did not begin with us. It is continual work, a sacred responsibility that is carried on through the generations,” said Lloyd Cardinal, co-chair of the Indigenous Circle with EndPovertyEdmonton.

In order for the next seven generations to have the appropriate teachings, knowledge, celebrations, and governance inclusive of ceremonies - it is imperative for Elders to help guide and lead this initiative to ensure they are incorporated into the ICWC.

Left to right: Vicki Whelan, Chester Cunningham, Lorette Goulet and unknown.