About the Elders-in-Residence Program

The Aboriginal Students Health Sciences (ASHS) office is pleased to offer the Elders-in-Residence program to students at McMaster’s main campus in Hamilton as well as monthly at the regional sites of Waterloo & Niagara. This program fosters the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of students by offering a unique opportunity for students to learn from local community Elders who are eager to share their traditional experiences, knowledge and wisdom. The program increases awareness and understanding of history, traditions and culture for all students by providing students access to Elders who are actively engaged in their communities and culture. This enhances students' sense of belonging, nurturing the feeling that they are a meaningful part of, and take pride in, an education system in which their Inuit, Métis and First Nations knowledge and culture are reflected, celebrated, and respected. The Elders are available to answer questions, offer support and to listen.

Click here for a printable PDF fact sheet about the Elders in Residence program.

Our Elders

Click here to see the full biographies of our Hamilton Campus Elders.

Click here to see the full biographies of our Regional Campus Elders

Hamilton Campus Schedule

Elize Hartley (Metis)

Tuesdays 10am-3pm

Location: ASHS Student Space

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Bertha Skye (Cree)

Thursdays 10am-3pm

Location: ASHS Student Space

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Niagara Campus Schedule

Lorna Hill (Cayuga)

Dates: January 27 & March 30

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: MDG School of Medicine
142 Queenston St.
St. Catharines, ON
McSloy 1- Norris Wing
Room 3

 

Click here for a printable PDF of Lorna's biography.

 

Waterloo Campus Schedule

Gerard Sagassige (Ojibway)

Dates: January 13, February 10 & March 9

Time: 10am-3pm

Location: MGD School of Medicine
10 Victoria Street
Kitchener ON N2G 1C5
3rd Floor, Student Affairs
Room # 3019

 

How Can I Engage With an Elder?

ONE-ON-ONE
Connect by talking in private in the Elders space in the ASHS office or at the regional sites (Waterloo & Niagara).

ASK QUESTIONS
Actively listen to the Elder’s words and receive guidance.

CULTURAL SUPPORT
Elders share their wisdom in traditional areas such a cooking, crafts, storytelling and spiritual practice.

IN A GROUP
Contact the ASHS office if you would like an Elder to speak to your students, staff and faculty about Indigenous knowledge and culture.

VIEW A PODCAST
The ASHS YouTube channel features many podcasts with our Elders-in-Residence.

CONTACT
Tel: 905.525.9140 ext 23935
Email: ashs@mcmaster.ca

 

Elders Teachings on the ASHS YouTube Channel!