Knowledge Keepers are respected and valued members of Indigenous communities. They may be First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, and may live either on or off reserve. The term “Knowledge Keeper” is the appropriate term to use for individuals on our program’s lists.
It is important to note that “Elder” is a different term with its own community protocols. Not all Knowledge Keepers are Elders, and Knowledge Keepers can be any age. Their knowledge may come from lived experience, family teachings, cultural learning, or formal education.
Our District has a well‑established Knowledge Keeper Program. In agreement with the local Nations and the Quelmúcw Education Council, anyone who wishes to serve as a Knowledge Keeper in our District must be approved by their Band or by members of the Council.
The Knowledge Keeper Program provides schools with the opportunity to invite members of the local Indigenous communities into classrooms to share their cultural expertise with students.
Knowledge Keepers may have expertise in areas such as:
- cultural practices of their people
- Indigenous language(s)
- cultural protocols
- Indigenous history, art, regalia, stories, songs, and dances
- land‑based knowledge or traditional plant/animal uses
- hunting, fishing, or resource management
- traditional health and wellness