Elders Program FAQ

What is the Simon Fraser University, Indigenous Student Centre’s Elders Program?
The ISC recognizes that First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers hold valuable knowledge to share with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and communities. Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers are frequently invited to Simon Fraser University to share in the opening/closing of events, speak to classes, participate on committees, take part in interviews, and provide support, guidance and spiritual help to students, faculty, and staff. With this in mind, we host numerous Elders and Knowledge Keepers-in-Residence that play various roles across the university. The purpose of this program is to create safe spaces for Indigenous students, foster relationships with Indigenous communities, and implement cultural knowledges and practices.

What is the difference between an Elder and Knowledge Keeper?
An “Elder” is someone recognized as such by other Elders in the SFU Elder’s and Knowledge Keeper’s Program and in the community. They have knowledge of traditional values and culture. The Elders have connections to the local Indigenous community and maintain a positive and respectful attitude towards students and the academic environment they are a part of. Whereas as “Knowledge Keepers” are those who may not be considered an Elder, yet hold traditional knowledges and teachings about their culture.

What is the purpose of having an Elder/Knowledge Keeper at our event and how can it benefit our department?
Including an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Keeper in your work allows you to start your event off in a good way. The inclusion of traditional knowledge and cultural practices not only creates a welcoming and inclusive environment but recognizes the importance of Indigenous peoples to the land that we live on, work that we do and community around us. Indigenous Peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial and have teachings to share about moving forward in the work that we do in a way that is honest and transparent, takes responsibility for past and future actions, and encourages listening with an open mind and compassionate heart. This also directly reflects one of SFU’s top priorities as outlined in the What’s Next: The SFU Strategy to “Uphold Truth and Reconciliation.” Acknowledging and including Indigenous Peoples in your work contributes to the decolonization process and improving community relationships across SFU.

What is the difference between a territorial welcome and a land acknowledgement?
A “Territorial Welcome” is made by First Nations who are traditionally from this territory, to welcome you to their land and start off your event in a good way. Where as a “Land Acknowledgement” should be made by the host or emcee as they are the ones acknowledging they are guests on this land.

How do I book an Elder/Knowledge Keeper for my department’s event?
Submit an Elder Request Form on the ISC’s Website here.

What information do I need to provide when making a booking?
The Elder Request Form asks for details regarding the requesters contact information, event details, Elder duties and onsite contact, transportation, and honourarium.

How far in advance should I make a booking request?
The sooner you get your request in the better chance our Elders/Knowledge Keepers will be available. However, the deadline to submit a request is 2 weeks prior to your event.

Can I request a specific Elder/Knowledge Keeper with expertise relevant to my event?
Yes, each of our Elders and Knowledge Keepers holds expertise in various fields. When reviewing your request, we do our best to take the event topic/request into consideration when choosing which Elder may be the best fit. Requesters may also request a specific Elder or Knowledge Keeper, but we may not always be able to accommodate.

What types of events are suitable for Elder/Knowledge Keeper participation?
The Elders and Knowledge Keepers work with students, staff, faculty, and the overall community at SFU. Examples of what these duties/offerings/supports/holding of space might look like could include: 

• Provide grounding and support for students
• Offer mentoring 
• Support special events (eg. Open and/or close an event, participate in discussion groups, speak on a panel)
• Supervise or support culturally orientated courses and workshops
• Meet with students and visitors
• Be available for interviews and guest lectures
• Provide guidance in traditional cleansing and ceremonial activities
• Participation in committee meetings

These events should be respectful of the Elder’s time and knowledge, and they should align with the goals of fostering understanding and respect for Indigenous Cultures.

Please note that Elders and Knowledge Keepers are not Counsellors, nor do they offer counselling services.

Can Elders/Knowledge Keepers be involved in long-term projects or only one-time events?
Yes, Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available to participate in one-time events or long-term projects. Request acceptance is up to the discretion of the Elder/Knowledge Keeper.

Are Elders/Knowledge Keepers available for events outside regular university hours?
Yes, availability varies and is up to the discretion of our individual Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Can Elders/Knowledge Keepers participate in virtual events or only in-person?
Elders/Knowledge Keepers are available for both in-person and virtual events.

Are Elders/Knowledge Keepers available for video recordings to be used on websites or during events?
Yes, Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available for video recordings, screenings and postings at an additional fee. All requested video content is Intellectual Property of the requested Elder or Knowledge Keeper in accordance with the Copyright Act. Please refer to the Elders Program Protocol Guide for more details.

Can Elders/Knowledge Keepers participate in events external to SFU?
No, the ISC Elders Program only offers supports to and accepts requests from SFU Programs and Departments.

What areas of expertise do the Elders/Knowledge Keepers in the program have?
Each of our Elders and Knowledge Keepers hold various knowledges and skills from expertise in archaeology, traditional knowledge, drumming and singing to beading and cedar weaving. You can refer to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers in Residence bios available on the ISC website here to learn more.

What is the process for matching an Elders/Knowledge Keepers expertise with our event’s theme?
The ISC Elders Program Coordinator will take into consideration the event topic, location of the event and Elder/Knowledge Keeper availability when choosing which Elder/Knowledge Keeper to pass the request along to. You may also request a specific Elder or Knowledge Keeper, keeping in mind the request is subject to the Elder’s availability.

Do departments need to provide transportation for Elders/Knowledge Keepers?
Yes, it is expected that the event organizer will coordinate and provide transportation via Uber for in-person events. The ISC has created an Uber Guide to support organizers with this process. However, some of our Elders and Knowledge Keepers prefer to drive themselves, in which case it is expected that accessible parking is available for them. In either case an onsite contact is expected to meet the Elder/Knowledge Keeper at the drop off/parking location to escort them to the event.

What are the requirements for hosting an Elder/Knowledge Keeper at an event?
The requirements for host an elder at your event are:

Submission request - at least two weeks in advance of your event

Confirmation - of request from the ISC  

Event logistics - ensure the Elder or Knowledge Keeper is treated respectfully throughout the event; offer them the option to stay for the entire event; provide refreshments and seating; serve them their meal first (if applicable)

Transportation - Arrange transportation, typically through Uber, unless the Elder would prefer to drive

Gifting - it is customary to present the Elder with a small gift as a sign of respect/ thank you. This does not replace the honourarium.

Payment - Provide an honourarium based on the duration of their participation and ensure that it is presented directly after the event; include any additional travel or parking costs.

Safety and support - ensure that the event location is accessible and assign a Helper to assist the Elder/Knowledge Keeper for the entire duration of their stay.

Post event - please complete a feedback form to provide your thoughts on the Elder/Knowledge Keeper’s participation

How long can we expect an Elder/Knowledge Keeper to stay at our event?
The Elder/Knowledge Keeper will stay at minimum the requested time agreed upon with the organizer—this may be anywhere from 15mins for an opening to 7 hours for a full day event. However, if the Elder/Knowledge Keeper is invited to open an event, it is polite to ask them if they would like to stay for the duration of the event, as an observer and potential participant—this may exceed the agreed upon payment time (at no extra charge) at the discretion of the Elder/Knowledge Keeper.

What should we do if our event’s schedule changes after booking an Elders/Knowledge Keepers?
Please email the Elders Program Coordinator at iscelder@sfu.ca as soon as possible and we will try to accommodate the updated request.

How are Elders/Knowledge Keepers prepared or briefed for the events they attend?
Elders/Knowledge Keepers are given the event details that the requester provides in the request. Please share as much information and details as possible in the event description and Elder duties, in order for the Elder/Knowledge Keeper to connect with the event themes and agenda as much as possible.

Can we promote the Elders/Knowledge Keepers participation in our event through our marketing channels?
Yes, once participation has been confirmed, Elder/Knowledge Keeper participation can be shared throughout your marketing process. Please refer to the ISC website here for bios and pictures.

Why is it customary to present a gift to an Elder/Knowledge Keeper?
To show respect and thanks for their contributions to your event, meeting, ceremony etc. The exchange of a small gift mirrors a contractual agreement between two parties: the Elder or Knowledge Keeper agrees to fulfill the request, and the person presenting the gift commits to caring for the Elder or Knowledge Keeper from the moment of the request to the follow up after the event. It represents a mutual understanding and commitment, honoring the importance of reciprocity and respect in the relationship. To learn more about gifting protocols please refer to the Elders Program Guide.

What are the costs associated with booking an Elder/Knowledge Keeper?
Please refer to the honorarium section at the bottom of the Elder Request Form webpage here.

What is the cancellation policy for booking an Elder/Knowledge Keeper?
By the Organizer:
If the event is canceled within 72 hours (3 days) of the scheduled time, the full honorarium must still be provided to the Elder or Knowledge Keeper.

If the event is canceled within 120 hours (1 week) of the scheduled time, 50% of the honorarium is still expected to be paid.

By the Elder/Knowledge Keeper:
If an Elder or Knowledge Keeper needs to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, they are not expected to be paid for their time. The ISC staff or the Elder will notify the event organizer as soon as possible in such cases.

When should I submit payment for the Elder/Knowledge Keeper?
Payment to the Elder or Knowledge Keeper should be provided immediately after their participation has concluded at your event. It is customary to gift the honorarium at this time to show respect and appreciation for their contribution. For more details about how to process an Elder/Knowledge Keeper payment, please refer to the Elders Program Protocol Guide.

What happens if an Elder/Knowledge Keeper becomes unavailable on the day of the event?
The ISC staff or the Elder will notify you via email and/or phone call in the event of a cancellation.

How can we provide feedback about our experience with the Elder/Knowledge Keeper?
After your event has concluded, the ISC will email you with a follow-up survey. We ask all organizers to please complete this survey to let us know how the Elder/Knowledge Keeper participation in your event went and how we might be able to improve our program for the future.