Elders in Residence
The Elders in Residence program is an integral part of the Edmonton Public Library, promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and values. Elders provide support and encouragement to library patrons and offer a cultural connection through various programs and activities.
About the Elders in Residence
What is an Elder?
An Elder is both a title and a role. In English, an "Elder" refers to an older Indigenous person who acts as a surrogate grandmother or grandfather. In Indigenous languages, an "Elder" describes a respected public role in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities that develops over time. Elders offer mentorship, guidance, and leadership, enforce cultural laws and protocols, and serve as caretakers and teachers.
Each Elder has unique knowledge and specialties; for example, one may conduct specific ceremonies while another may have expertise in plant medicine. Elders are integral to preserving and passing on cultural knowledge and traditions.
The Elders in Residence Role
Elders in Residence at EPL play a vital role in fostering cultural understanding and community connections. They offer one-on-one sessions to provide personalized guidance and support to individuals.
Elders lead and participate in various ceremonies, including Pipe Ceremonies and other cultural rituals, ensuring that these important traditions are an active part of the library's offerings.
Additionally, they share their extensive knowledge through a variety of programs and events. These include talking circles, where participants can learn about Indigenous cultures, protocols, and processes in a collaborative and respectful environment.
Through these activities, Elders in Residence help promote EPL’s mission of sharing expertise, information, technology, and space, enriching the lives of Edmontonians by creating opportunities for learning, connecting, and growing together.
Meet our Elders
Kokum Lorette Goulet
Thirty years ago, Kokum Lorette was given her Traditional name, Miskinâhk Iskwew (Turtle Woman), and she began her journey of walking the Red Road. Lorette was born in Edmonton; her mother was Métis from Calling Lake, and her father was from Thunder Bay. She is intuitive and empathetic and carries with her a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. She has worked with Indigenous communities for over forty years and has learned much from many Elders and knowledge keepers who have enriched her life and teachings.
Kokum Lorette joins EPL to help support the community with her experience providing support to individuals and communities on their journeys of finding themselves through acceptance, care, and healing. She has worked with many communities and groups in the city of Edmonton, including Native Counselling Services of Alberta, Ben Calf Robe Society, Aboriginal Head Start program, NiGiNan Housing Ventures, and the non-profit Mâmawi Nîpawiwin Standing Together. Her heart is happy when she is supporting children and families.
Lorette has one son and many others who are children of her heart. She loves Mother Earth, children, laughter, and singing. Her heart is with her people, and she loves to use her gifts to help others.
Visit with Kokum Lorette
Kokum Lorette works out of PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN in the Stanley A. Milner Library downtown every second Thursday.
Her visiting hours are:
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. for pre-arranged visits
- The schedule can be viewed here.
If you would like to request a pre-arranged visit with Kokum Lorette, please fill in this form - request a meeting - at least one week prior to the requested date.
Please note, that depending on the demand and capacity your prearranged meeting may not happen on your first choice of date or time. We will contact you to schedule another date/time.
Elder Fred Campiou
Elder Fred Campiou, from Driftpile First Nation in Treaty 8 territory, grew up with resilience and strength. His family hid him to protect him from residential schools, and he was raised traditionally by his mother and grandfather. Though he lost his Cree-Algonquin language and culture in his early years, Fred reclaimed them through the teachings of his mother and grandfather, which became the foundation for his life's work in culture and recovery.
At just 21, Fred earned the right to be a ceremonial lodge keeper, showcasing his spiritual knowledge and leadership. He now carries several spiritual lodges, including the Sioux Yuipi ceremony, Sundance ceremony, Horse Dance lodge, Sioux Sweatlodge, Buffalo Robe healing ceremony, and Women's teachings passed down from his late grandmother and mother. His spiritual guidance has provided healing and empowerment to countless people.
Fred has significantly advanced reconciliation by advising Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations on wellness, addictions, recovery, and reconciliation. His guidance has shaped policies and practices across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Canada, improving outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Fred's work includes collaborations with Correctional Services of Canada, the National Aboriginal Advisory Committee, the National Elders Working Group with the Director General of Aboriginal Initiatives, the Prairie Regional Council of Elders, and Native Counselling Services of Alberta, as well as advising several Chiefs and Councils in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Fred’s humble approach to life, sense of responsibility, humor, and wealth of experience inspire everyone he meets. His teachings have been recognized by scholars and students across Canada and abroad. His contributions to Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s video “Wahkohtowin: Cree Natural Law” provide a valuable source of traditional Cree knowledge.
Events
Elder-in-Residence Programming
WIR - BiblioEvents Feed
Frequently Asked Questions
EIR - FAQs
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Elders can help with connecting you to culture and ceremony, but they are not counsellors. They are integral community members that can guide you in your cultural learning and connect you to the larger community.
Please respect there are some areas of Indigenous history, spirituality, and culture that Elders are not comfortable sharing due to protocols or the sensitive nature of the information.
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Protocol is a traditional set of rules or etiquette that demonstrates respect for the Elder. When seeking knowledge from an Elder, learners present the Elder with an offering of tobacco or another gift and make their request.
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Please email the Indigenous Services Team at IndigenousServicesTeam@epl.ca or Elders in Residence Program at EIR@epl.ca
Request a Meeting Form - Request a Meeting | Edmonton Public Library
EPL’s Elders in-residence work out of PÎYÊSÎW WÂSKÂHIKAN in the Stanley A. Milner Library (downtown) only. Individuals or groups can submit a request to meet with an Elder. Requests should be submitted at a minimum of two weeks in advance.