student sitting with an elder

Elders & Knowledge Keeper Program

Knowledge and Teachings

Visiting Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available at all Brandon campuses for customary and historical knowledge and teachings. They represent Dakota, Anishinaabe, Cree, St'at'imc and Métis Nations, who provide guidance, teachings, historical information, customary knowledge and support to all students. Although our Elders are not always present on campus, they will meet with students when there is a request to do so. Meeting with an Elder may be as informal as a casual visit or can include cultural or spiritual teachings and guidance. They are a support and resource for both students and staff.

We are honoured to have the Elders and Knowledge Keepers support and guide us here at Assiniboine.

Program Schedule

Elders and Knowledge Keepers are also available outside of these hours upon request.

Elders & Knowledge Keepers

Shirley Norquay - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Shirley Norquay

Anishinaabe

Eugene Ross - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Eugene Ross

Dakota

Verna Demontigny - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Verna Demontigny

Métis

Harvey Pelletier - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Harvey Pelletier

Métis

Gerry Oleman - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Gerry Oleman

St'at'imc

Reg Nepinak - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Reg Nepinak

Anishinaabe

Deborah Tacan - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Deborah Tacan

Cree/Metis

Frank Tacan - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Frank Tacan

Dakota

Lorraine Pompana - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Lorraine Pompana

Dakota

Susie McPherson-Derendy - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Susie McPherson-Derendy

Cree

Allen Sutherland - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Allen Sutherland

Anishinaabe

Grace Masse - VISITING ELDERS & KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

Grace Masse

Woodland Cree


In Loving Memory

Marina Tacan - In Loving Memory

Marina Tacan

Marina Tacan Elder Marina, also known as Red Bird Women, was a gifted story teller who would capture your undivided attention with her infectious smile, spirited cadence, and often refreshing candor. We are forever grateful for her 20 years of service with Assiniboine.

Bev Harvey - In Loving Memory

Bev Harvey

Elder Bev, also known as Bright Star Medicine Cloud Woman, will be remembered for her wisdom and guidance. She has been widely recognized for her efforts in helping people in the Parkland area with their personal recovery and healing journeys.