New resource: Building Good Work with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers

 

PAN’s work is developed and delivered in multiple regions in northwestern Turtle Island, and we are committed to respectfully developing relationships with Indigenous peoples, communities, and Nations in the areas in which we work.  See more on this.

Over many years, PAN as a non-Indigenous organization has been privileged to work with Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have guided and supported us in many aspects of our work.  We are deeply grateful to these community members who have provided us with guidance and leadership, and who embody cultural teachings, principles, and values.

Through the benefit of these relationships, we have learned many things about how to build respectful mutual relationships with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers – and we continue to learn.

We thought to share some of these learnings in case they can serve as a resource to others.  In this, we want to express our great thanks to the team at Indigenous Perspectives Society, who reviewed this document and provided invaluable input.

 

“I take an opportunity to acknowledge the consistency and momentum that PAN has embodied in order to participate in reconciliatory activities. This guide, while not exhaustive, is a supportive tool intended to provide guidance while at the same recognizing that as context shifts, the needs in working with Elders may change as well. That said, this tool is a sound foundation and can be used to engage Elders, begin working with Elders, and acknowledge the relationships that will form.”

Rachelle Dallaire (she/her) | Executive Director | Indigenous Perspectives Society

 

Resource: Building Good Work with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers

 

See also: PAN’s cultural safety resources