Elders – Traditional Knowledge

Elders

This page provides an introduction to the importance of Elders in Aboriginal communities and to their basic spiritual teachings.

Source: Metis National Council Of Women

Elder/Youth Legacy Program: Support for Aboriginal Artistic Practices

This program offers funding to Aboriginal arts organizations that wish to work with Elders and the youth, two underserved segments of the Aboriginal arts community.

Source: Government of Canada; Canada Council for the Arts

Four Directions Teachings

Four Direction Teachings is an audio narrated resource for learning about traditional knowledge and philosophy from five diverse First nations in Canada.

Getting Started in Oral Traditions Research – Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

This manual was written for adults and students in the Northwest Territories who want to do their own research, but need help getting started.

Source: Government of Northwest Territories; Education, Culture and Employment

Interviewing Elders (Guidelines)

This document from the National Aboriginal Health Organization is intended for reporters wishing to cover events involving Elders' teachings and consists of guidelines regarding protocol.

Source: National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)

In their Own Words: Tribal Elders, Leaders and Traditional Teachers (Past and Present) Speak to the World

Discusses how more than ever knowledgeable Elders are needed to guide Native people in a deeper understanding of whom they are as Canada's first citizens, and offers various thoughts by important historical Aboriginal leaders.

In The Words of Our Ancestors: Métis Health and Healing (PDF)

This book contains the words of Métis Elders from the past and present, with the purpose of sharing, protecting, using and revitalizing Métis traditional health and healing knowledge and practices.

Source: National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)

Inuit Cultural Perspectives

Selected cultural information texts contain links to artwork depicting related subjects. This information is based on interviews conducted with Inuit elders.

Source: Government of Canada; Library and Archives Canada

Kakakaway and Associates

Robert Kakakaway travels across Canada and the USA to present cultural awareness workshops that are filled with humour, legends and powerful messages based on the concept of the Medicine Wheel.

Métis Identity: Sharing Traditional Knowledge and Healing Practices at Métis Elders' Gatherings

This article represents an overview of a Métis traditional knowledge project, through which the authors engaged with a group of Métis Elders, seniors and healers.

Source: Pimatisiwin

Oral Narratives and Aboriginal Pasts

This report examines Aboriginal Oral Traditions and how they can best be utilized, specifically in regard to conflict resolution.

Source: Government of Canada; Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)

Oral Tradition – Storytelling

Storytelling in the Arctic is a means not only to entertain, but also to educate and inform. Since prehistoric times, lessons, morals, history, and practical knowledge have been passed from generation to generation through this common oral tradition.

Source: Government of Canada; Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC)

Reaching Out: A Guide to Communicating with Aboriginal Seniors (Division of Aging and Seniors)

Reaching Out suggests ways to package and deliver information to improve the chances it will reach Aboriginal seniors and be understood.

Source: Government of Canada; Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Sacred Way of Life – Traditional Knowledge (PDF)

This document serves as a tool kit that gives an overview of what traditional knowledge means to First Nations and the important role it can play in everyone's life.

Source: National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)

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