Å·±¦¹ÙÍø Elders provide spiritual support, encouragement and guidance to Indigenous students, staff and faculty while promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, culture and values throughout the Å·±¦¹ÙÍø community.
Elders act as surrogate Indigenous grandmothers or grandfathers. They possess a wealth of knowledge and life experiences about Indigenous culture that they are eager to share.
THE ROLES OF ELDERS AT Å·±¦¹ÙÍø
Elders are available two to five days per month to work with the Å·±¦¹ÙÍø community. Their roles include:
- Providing guidance, cultural and spiritual support to students, staff and faculty through one-on-one guidance sessions
- Sharing their knowledge and expertise in different areas through cultural teaching activities
- Acting as guest speakers in classrooms, Å·±¦¹ÙÍø Speaker Series, National Indigenous Peoples Day and other events
- Liaising with the Indigenous Advisory Council as needed.
Check out the Elder Guidelines and Protocols to learn about Å·±¦¹ÙÍø’s Elders and the Elders-In-Residence program and to build a relationship with our resident Elders in a good way.
Elder Guidelines and Protocols

Introduction to the Elders-In-Residence Program
This presentation will provide a basic introduction to the Elders-In-Residence Program at Å·±¦¹ÙÍø and Resident Elders will share the many ways this program supports students, staff, faculty and stakeholders of Å·±¦¹ÙÍø.
BOOKING A SESSION OR ATTENDING AN EVENT WITH AN ELDER
To set up a confidential one-on-one session in the Elders room, a classroom visit, or for any other type of appointment, email indigenization@jibc.ca.
Or visit the Å·±¦¹ÙÍø Events page to see an Elder at an upcoming event.
We respectfully acknowledge Å·±¦¹ÙÍø's New Westminster campus is located on the unceded Traditional Territories of the Qayqayt, Musqueam and Coast Salish Peoples.