Shining a Light on the Important Work of Indigenous Elders
December 7, 2018
Being able to connect with Elders is something that’s often lost in an urban setting like Vancouver. We’re honoured to have Elder Bruce Robinson here at UNYA as our Elder in Residence, offering guidance, teachings, and personal support to Indigenous youth and staff.
The Discourse is shining a light on this important work that Bruce and other Elders are doing in our urban communities. Wawmeesh Hamilton’s article, Elders help urban Indigenous youth connect to culture – if they can find each other, published today in The Discourse, talks about the difficulty youth face when these connections are lost, and how powerful finding them can be.
"Working with elders anchored him to his culture and identity, and gave him a glimpse at what he’d eventually do, only he didn’t know it yet."
"Working with elders anchored him to his culture and identity, and gave him a glimpse at what he’d eventually do, only he didn’t know it yet."
We’re fortunate to have the support of Elders through our Wisdom of the Elders program here at Urban Native Youth Association. Elders connect with youth throughout our programs to offer teachings, guidance, and support for youth in their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Elder Bruce Robinson keeps regular hours at our Native Youth Health and Wellness Centre, and youth can drop in for a visit or make an appointment to see him.
Check out our program calendar for up-to-date info on hours when youth can drop by to see Elder Bruce, along with a full schedule of program activities.
Read more about the important work Elders are doing in our community in Wawmeesh Hamilton’s full article here: Elders help urban Indigenous youth connect to culture — if they can find each other.