Visit an Elder

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

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, 9:30am-3:30pm during the fall and winter terms.

This year we welcomed 5 new Elders in Residence to continue supporting the growing number Indigenous students on campus. The schedule has been adjusted slightly to accomodate the new Elders and are now offering morning and extended afternoon drop-ins.

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	Time	Elders in Residence
Monday	9:30am-12:30pm	Gerry Ambers, Kwakwaka’wakw
	12:30pm-3:30pm	Eydie Pelkey, W̱SÁNEĆ May Sam, W̱SÁNEĆ alternate weekly
Tuesday	9:30am-12:30pm	Violet Thomas, Xʷepsəm
	12:30pm-3:30pm	Janice George, Songhees
Wednesday	9:30am-12:30pm	Wilbert Papik, Inuk
	12:30pm-3:30pm	Barb Hulme, Métis
Thursday	9:30am-12:30pm	Gail Jimmy Songhees
	12:30pm-3:30pm	Lynn Thomas, Xʷepsəm
Friday	9:30am-12:30pm	Doug & Kathy LaFortune, W̱SÁNEĆ
	12:30pm-3:30pm	Ralph Amos, Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Elder in Residence Schedule
4.83MB PDF file

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

Charlotte Charlie, Cultural Protocol Liasion
David Dick, Associate Director, Campus Community Engagement