Knowledge Keepers

Who are Grandparents and Knowledge Keepers?

Our Grandparents

The term ‘Grandparents’ is used to refer to wisdom keepers, in contrast to the term ‘Elders,’ which is a Western colonial construct. In Indigenous languages, the closest translation for wisdom keepers is ‘Grandparents,’ a term that more accurately reflects their role in preserving and sharing traditional knowledge, as well as their expertise in navigating the intersection of Western and Indigenous worldviews. In this context, you will notice a shift in this toolkit and, more generally, within the EKCS, from the commonly used term ‘Elders’ to the more culturally appropriate term ‘Grandparents,’ as endorsed by our leaders within the EKCS.

Elders Knowledge Circle Soceity

Grandparents and Knowledge Keepers have earned rights and responsibilities and are recognized as Grandparents or Knowledge Keepers by their community. Their knowledge is lived, and that knowledge is shared or transferred with permission to pass on to others. Grandparents are the encyclopedias and walking libraries of Indigenous nations, in all their diversity. Grandparents often provide guidance, may oversee ceremonies, and/or share teachings of their language, beliefs, customs, values, and traditions.

PLACES TO EXPLORE IN TREATY 7:

1 Blackfoot Crossing

2 Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump

3 Writing on Stone

4 Tsuut’ina Museum and Cultural Centre

5 Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel (Nosehill Park)

6 Chiniki Cultural Centre

7 Okotoks (Big Rock)

8 Buffalo Pounds

9 The Confluence

10 Glenbow Museum

11 Galt Museum and Archives Akaisamitohkanao’pa

12 Calgary Public Library

Where can you connect with a grandparent or knowledge keeper:

For Calgary and area, you may be able to connect with a Grandparent or Knowledge Keeper by reaching out to:

The Elders Knowledge Circle Society:
eldersknowledgecircle.com/contact

The Calgary Public Library—see the schedule online to drop in or book an appointment here:
https://calgarylibrary.ca/connect/indigenous-services/elders-guidance-circle/

Elbow River Healing Lodge (7th Floor, Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre) has Grandparents onsite who may be able to offer traditional wellness and healing (spiritual, cultural, and ceremonial supports). Call to make an appointment: 403-955-6600.
https://calgaryunitedway.org/impact/indigenous-strategy/elders-knowledge-circle/