Educating Our Educators Guide for Staff - Algoma District School ...

Why Involve Elders and/or Senators?The benefit of involving First Nations Elders and Métis Senators in schools is that the First Nation, Metis andInuit students see themselves and their cultural heritage reflected within the school. This helps studentsdevelop positive self esteem, which in turns helps them achieve their potential in school and life. In additionto this, other benefits include enhancing cultural perspectives, building relationships with the First Nation,Metis and Inuit community, promoting cultural traditional awareness, providing a mentor or role model andpromoting harmony.First Nation Elders, and Metis Senators are integral to the revival, maintenance, and preservation ofAboriginal cultures. Elder/Senator participation in support of curricular objectives develops the positiveidentity of First Nations and Métis students and enhances self-esteem. All students may acquire aheightened awareness and sensitivity that inevitably promotes anti-racist education. It is important to notethat the title Elder/Senator does not necessarily indicate age. In Aboriginal and Métis societies, one isdesignated an Elder/Senator after acquiring significant wisdom and understanding of native/Métis history,traditional teachings, ceremonies, healing practices and experience. Elders/Senators have earned therespect from their community to pass on this knowledge to others and give advice and guidance on personalissues, as well as issues affecting their communities and nations.Educating Our Educators – Educating Our Aboriginal StudentsRevised March 201168