Elders on Campus
Elders and Knowledge Keepers carry their stories, teachings, laws and songs within them to pass on to the next generations. Elders on Campus offers the opportunity to meet and make connections with Elders in our community.
We are honoured to have them join us on campus to give us a wider sense of community and provide learning opportunities through intergenerational connections.
Elders
Richard Desautel
Richard Desautel is a Sn̓ʕ̓ay̓ckstx (Sinixt) Elder, Ceremonial Hunter and enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
He joined the Elders Program in 2022 and has since shared his wealth of traditional knowledge and humour through classroom visits, on-the-land learning and Indigenous gatherings.
Richard is a father, grandfather and US veteran. He continues Sn̓ʕ̓ay̓ckstx cultural practices, such as trapping, hunting, fishing, gathering and the cooking of traditional foods. Richard is also a gifted storyteller, freely sharing personal experiences and oral histories.
Richard is widely known for the 2021 landmark decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Desautel, which affirmed that the Sn̓ʕ̓ay̓ckstx are an Aboriginal Peoples of Canada with a constitutionally protected right to hunt in their traditional territory.
Murhi Iskwew
Murhi is of mixed-blood descent, her ancestry is Cree and Swedish. Murhi’s personal belief is that nature is our greatest teacher. If we literally look at a shovel full of grass roots, ones would see a meshing of roots very tough to separate, very strong in its togetherness.
Murhi believes that we have hope through education, strengthening our cultural identity and building self-esteem through connecting with our histories (grass roots). Indigenous well-being is possible starting with our families, our friends and with social networks within our communities.
Educating each other and our children, growing strong through togetherness, vision, and commitment
Gerry Rempel
Gerry Rempel, who is Métis, was born and raised in the Kootenays. He retired as fire chief for the City of Castlegar in 2017 after 26 years in that position and 44 years in the fire service.
He continues to volunteer with the fire department as their Chaplain. He is very honoured to be a part of the Elders Program.
Myrt Servatius
Proud Métis woman and kookum (grandma).
Her mother gives her Scottish and Cree ancestry and Swedish from her dad. She was born and raised in Prince Albert, SK. Myrt did not know of her Métis heritage until she was older, but her grandpa used to share stories about the Louis Riel Rebellion in the farm at Birchhills.
She has been married for 62 years, has three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Myrt is the president of Kootenay South Métis in Trail and loves working with students sharing Métis history and sharing the various styles of jigging.
She moved from Prince Albert to Trail in 1964 with her family. She worked as a travel agent and tour guide for 30 years and that has given her the opportunity to experience different cultures. Myrt is happy to learn about other Indigenous histories, including the crafts that each tribe has shared.
She is happy to be part of the Elders Program and to help students any way that she can as a teacher and a grandma or kookum (grandma).
Donna Wright
Donna Wright is a Métis Elder who identifies as Nehiyawak (Cree)/Métis on her father’s side and Norwegian on her mother’s side.
Connecting with community members and supporting families inspires her and brings her the greatest joy. Donna has volunteered and worked in community for almost 50 years in the human services field. Donna offers a warm and welcoming presence with a good dose of humour.
If you would like to meet with Donna one-to-one during her days on campus, please stop by the Gathering Place to arrange a time that works for both of you. Everyone is welcome.
Join Elders on Campus
Fire Teachings
Métis Elder Gerry Rempel shares his wisdom through storytelling at the Indigenous Arbour on the Castlegar Campus.
Cultural Connections
Auntie Ann-Marie guides Indigenous-inspired crafts, shares some stories and facilitates cultural connections.
Talking Circles with Elder Murhi and Danica Weager
Talking Circles with Elder Murhi Kencayd and Danica Weager offers a space to support each other and learn strategies to bring more balance and connection in our lives.
Indigenous Courses
- INDG 100: Regional Indigenous Perspectives on Languages and Cultures, which is led by Nation partners, is offered annually.
- INDG 101: Indigenous Peoples Relationships: Once You've Heard the Story
- INDG 287: Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices
- ENGL 202: Canadian Literature I: Indigenous Voices
- ENVR 250: Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Environmental Management
- INDG 302: Indigenous Health and Healing