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Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE)
Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE)

Visit an Elder

Elders lounge

Elders play a vital role in the First Peoples House, offering support for Indigenous students who are balancing walking in two-worlds. Whether you're seeking advice, cultural teachings, or simply a place to feel at home, the Elders' Lounge is here for you. The warm and welcoming environment is a place for reflection, conversation and building connections within the community.

The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) works with respected Elders and Knowledge Keepers who support Indigenous students, share teachings and contribute to learning across campus. Two ways this work takes place are through the Elders in Residence (EIR) program and the Elders Voices' program. While both involve cultural knowledge sharing and relationship building, they serve different purposes.

Elders in Residence

Elders in Residence 
The Elders in Residence program is primarily focused on direct student support. Elders offer cultural, emotional and spiritual guidance to Indigenous students through scheduled drop-in times in the Elders’ Lounge at the First Peoples House. Students are welcome to visit with Elders to seek advice, share experiences, receive teachings or simply spend time in a safe, supportive and culturally grounded environment.

Elders in Residence also participate in student-focused activities such as gatherings, ceremonies and wellness programming. Their role is centered on care, mentorship and cultural support, helping students navigate university life while staying connected to Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Drop-in schedule

Elders are available for drop-in Indigenous student support in the Elders' Lounge in the First Peoples House from Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. during the fall and winter terms. 

The schedule may vary slightly during holidays or special events, so please follow us on social media for the most up to date information and announcements.

Day Elder
Monday Alternating weeks: Gerry Ambers & Eydie Pelkey
Tuesday

Wilbert Papik

Anne Rose Kerkovius *virtually*
Wednesday May Sam *time adjustment - 10:30AM-2:00PM
Thursday Barb Hulme
Friday Doug LaFortune & Kathy Horne 

Needing additional Elder support?

Our Elders are here to support students and the campus community in meaningful ways. If you’re seeking guidance for research projects, have a special request or need additional support beyond regular student drop-ins, we ask that you connect first with Lola, IACE Elders Engagement and Protocol Coordinator. 

This helps us ensure requests are handled thoughtfully and with care, while also protecting the time and energy of our Elders, who are deeply generous and often say yes to many things. We hold our Elders with love and respect, and this process allows us to honour their well-being and busy schedules while supporting your needs.

Contact

Lola E Garcia, Elders Engagement and Protocol Coordinator
Charlotte Charlie, Cultural Protocol Liasion