Learning from one another with the Elders Engagement Fund

This year, we were proud to highlight the ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER—Elders Engagement Fund as one of our key priorities for Giving Tuesday. This fund, in honour of SWETALIYE, the late Dr. Marie Cooper, was named as a gift from the Austin/Cooper family to honour Dr. Cooper's lifelong dedication to Indigenous education, language and culture. Her transformative work in shaping educational policies and practices has left a mark on our community and continues to inspire future generations of learners and leaders.

The contributions to funds like this help move us forward together in a good way. Recently, we had the opportunity to connect with our colleagues, Hannah Mashon, Director of Indigenous University Communications, from the Office of the Vice-President Indigenous and Matthew Simpson, Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator from the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, to share some valuable insights about this fund.

What is the Elders Engagement Fund?

The Elders Engagement Fund integrates Indigenous ways of knowing into the educational experience for students, staff, and faculty across the university. This fund supports a range of activities, including faculty seminars, classroom visits, Elder honorariums, and meetings with community groups or local First Nations. Many of our staff contribute to the fund, and it can be accessed by staff, faculty, and students.

The fund continues Dr. Cooper's legacy by bringing Elders and Knowledge Keepers into classrooms, enriching both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students' understanding of Indigenous history and culture, while also advancing the broader goal of reconciliation.

How do you pronounce ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE?

You can listen and learn how to pronounce ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE and other laws and philosophies provided in Lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN on the Office of the Vice President, Indigenous—Language webpage.

Can you tell us why the Elders Engagement Fund is important?

The Elders Engagement Fund, ITOTELNEW̱TEL ȽTE: LEARNING FROM ONE ANOTHER, plays a vital role in supporting meaningful connections and mutual learning between the UVic community and Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. 

This fund ensures that students, staff, and faculty have ongoing access to the insightful knowledge, teachings and guidance that they bring. Elders provide a direct link to Indigenous ways of knowing and being, sharing cultural practices, traditions and stories that deepen understanding and promote respectful relationships with one another and all beings. Their presence enriches classrooms, strengthens community relations and creates supportive spaces where healing, reflection and dialogue can take place.

By making the fund accessible to students, staff and faculty, UVic ensures that everyone—whether in a classroom setting, cultural event, workshop, or ceremony—has an opportunity to learn from and build meaningful relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Why is this approach important?

This approach breaks down barriers, cultivates respect and affirms the importance of Indigenous traditions and teachings within the academic and social fabric of the university. As a result, this empowers all members of the UVic community to ʔay̓nəw̓əlʔist | ÍY,NEUELIST | move forward together for the good of all.

Can students, staff, and faculty access the Elders Engagement Fund? How can they do that?

Yes, students, staff and faculty can access the Elders Engagement Fund. To do so, folks can download and submit the application online.  

Applicants must outline the purpose and scope of their initiative or event, and how they would like to include an Elder or Knowledge Keeper in their work. They are then reviewed to ensure alignment with the goals of the fund in supporting cultural learning and community connection.

How can this fund be used?

The Elders Engagement Fund may be used to support the engagement of Elders or Knowledge Keepers in initiatives, events or activities across the university. This could include things like:

• Offering UVic students, faculty, and staff opportunities to learn directly from Elders through Faculty seminars, classroom visits, or meetings with community groups.
• Providing honorariums and thank you gifts for Elders in Residence or Indigenous guest speakers who contribute to seminars, lectures, and other teaching events—both on and off campus, often in collaboration with local First Nations communities.
• Supporting the CIRCLE speaker series and guest lecturing opportunities.
• Funding cultural and land-based learning activities.
• Encouraging cross-disciplinary staff development and collaboration.

How can folks contribute to the fund or donate?

Any UVic faculty, staff or student groups are welcome to apply.  Anyone interested in contributing to the Elders Engagement Fund can do so by visiting our online donation form.

Contributions to this fund ensure that Elders and Knowledge Keepers are compensated fairly for sharing their wisdom, traditions and culture with the UVic community. In turn, we can continue to build relationships and pathways to learning and understanding.

Get involved beyond Giving Tuesday!

Learn more about our funds like the Elder Engagement Fund, and why your support matters beyond Giving Tuesday.