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The Elders Knowledge Circle Society preserves, protects, revitalizes, and shares wisdom from Indigenous Grandparents and Knowledge Keepers.

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About the book

Resilience Knowledge: Wisdom From the Elders' Circle is a non-fiction collection of narratives about the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada using both traditional oral systems, written transcripts, and direct audio recordings of Indigenous Elders’ stories to preserve wisdom and guide and support the next generation. Within these pages, Elders reflect on the legacy of residential schools and share messages of hope, courage, and strength, followed by heartfelt essays from youth that create a transformative intergenerational dialogue.

This book brings together the memories of more than 30 Residential School Survivors from across Canada

Resilience Knowledge is told in first person and guided by the protocols and pacing of the Elders Knowledge Circle to ensure cultural safety and authenticity. Featuring nearly 40 archival and contemporary images, it pairs written transcripts with links to original audio recordings, preserving the Elders' oral teachings in their own voices. Woven throughout are responses from Indigenous youth, bridging Survivors and the next generation with messages of resilience and healing.

Meet the Elders

  • Reg Crowshoe

    Nitsitapii—Piikani

  • John Chief Moon Sr.

    Nitsitapii—Kainai

  • John Chief Moon Jr.

    Nitsitapii—Kainai

  • Monica Chief Moon

    Nitsitapii—Kainai

  • Herman Many Guns

    Nitsitapii—Piikani

  • Anne Paulette Kokak

    Inuinnaqtun—Kugluktuk

  • Darryl Brass

    Tsuut’ina, Cree, Anishnaabe

  • Phillomene Stevens

    Îaryhe Nakoda

  • Una Wesley

    Îaryhe Nakoda

  • Doreen Healy

    Nitisitapii—Kainai

  • Tina Fox

    Îyarhe Nakoda

  • Ruth Scalplock

    Nitsitapii—Siksika

  • Clarence Wolfleg Sr.

    Nitsitapii—Siksika

  • Virgle Stephens

    Îarhhe Nakoda

  • Diane Meguinis

    Tsuut’ina

  • Violet March

    Denesuline

  • Edmee Comstock

    Red River Métis

  • Ollie Benjamin

    Îyarhe Nakoda

  • Shirlee Crowshoe

    Nitsitapii—Piikani

  • Wallace Alexson

    Saulteaux and Cree

  • Vinnia Van Overdyk

    Cree, Saulteaux

  • Jackie Bromley

    Nitsitapii—Kainai

  • Frances Littlelight

    Nitisitapii—Kainai, member of Tsuut’ina Nation

  • Florence Alexson

    Saulteaux

  • Rose Crowshoe

    Nitsitapii—Piikani

  • Alice Kaquitts

    Îyarhe Nakoda

Next generation contributors

  • Karli Crowshoe

  • Tyler Two Guns

  • Julius Crowshoe

  • Tracy Crawler

  • Nicole Magnuson

  • Maddison Drader

Coming in 2027

Wisdom from the Elders’ Circle

This collection weaves together the voices from diverse Indigenous cultures to inspire collective healing from historical trauma. By reconnecting youth with their heritage and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, Resilience Knowledge: Wisdom From the Elders' Circle serves as a vital tool for rebuilding cultural identity and envisioning a brighter, shared future

Pre-order the Book

The Elders Knowledge Circle Society shares Elders' lived experiences of residential schools and colonialism alongside teachings of

healing
resilience
and hope

For future generations.