Elders and Knowledge Sharers work with students, staff, and faculty as part of the SFU community in the following ways:

Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to ISC students
Guide traditional ceremonial activities
Support special events
Participate in interviews, guest lectures, and committees
Please note: Elder Requests are only available for internal SFU events and programs.

Elders Program Protocol Guide

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) recently updated its Protocol Guide to ensure that Elders and Knowledge Sharers have consistency in requests and are treated with respect during their time at SFU. These guidelines have been created by ISC staff in consultation with the current Elder's and Knowledge Sharer's in Residence. When making a booking please ensure to read and follow the guide provided.

Elders Program Protocol Guide

Submitting an Elders Request

If you would like to invite an Elder to support your event, please complete the Elders Request Form at least three to four weeks before the event date. Due to a staffing shortage, we have had to extend this timeline.

* See the change in timeline here

Your website

Elder Request Form

Requester Contact Information

Requester Name

Department

Email

Phone Number

Event Details

Event Title

Date of Event

Time of the Event What time does the event start and end?

Requested Arrival Time What time will the Elder need to be on-site?

Event Location

Event Description Please provide details on the purpose and objectives of the event.

Information for Elder

Elder Duties Are there certain activities or protocols that you would like the Elder to facilitate?

Length of Elder Address What is the allotted time for the Elder to speak?

Request a Specific Elder Do you have a specific elder you would like us to request? If not, we will ask who we feel is appropriate for your event.

Expected Number of Attendees

On-Site Contact Person The point person who will be greeting and supporting the elder during your event.

On-Site Contact Phone Number This will be a number we can reach you at during your event or for the elders to connect for support or questions. Cell preferred.

In-Person Requests

To ensure the comfort and safety of Elders while attending in-person events, we are asking that event organizers coordinate and cover the cost of transportation (i.e. Uber) to and from the event, as well as provide refreshments (i.e. snack and/or lunch) as required.

Is your department able to coordinate and cover the costs of transportation for the Elder to travel to and from the event? Yes No Not applicable

Is your department able to coordinate and cover the costs of refreshments for the Elder attending the event? Yes No Not applicable

Honorarium

To ensure proper and respectful recognition of the Elders time and energy, please identify how long the Elder is being requested for your event.

Requested Attendance Up to one hour More than 1 hour but not exceeding 2 hours Half day or less (maximum 4 hours) One day (maximum 7 hours)

Payment Method Cash Cheque EFT

EFT is preferred

Honourarium Amount
$200: Up to one hour
$300: More than 1 hour but not exceeding 2 hours
$400: Half day or less (maximum 4 hours)
$800: One day (maximum 7 hours)

Indigenous Student Centre

Elder Request Form

Elders and Knowledge Sharers work with students, staff, and faculty as part of the SFU community in the following ways:

Elders Program Protocol Guide

Submitting an Elders Request

Elder Request Form

Requester Contact Information

Event Details

Information for Elder

In-Person Requests

Honorarium

Contact us