The Path to Enhancing Spiritual and Cultural Connection: Indigenous Elders in Residence Programming

Indigenous Elders in Residence programs are a leading practice in mentorship and Indigenize the academy by centering Indigenous knowledges and knowledge holders. Higher education institutions worldwide grew alongside colonial exploitation leading to imperialist institutions that aim to delegitimize diverse ways of knowing to consolidate power. Support mechanisms are needed to shift hegemonic systems and center Indigenous knowledges as part of an expanded educational system. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the planning, design and implementation activities of an Elders in Residence program within a prestigious university. Findings include new approaches to starting the conversation between Elders and participants, incorporating traditional ways within mentorship relationships and overcoming barriers to implementation through increased engagement, sustainability and evaluation to contribute to a more liberated educational system.