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First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders are acknowledged by their communities through a lifetime of learned teachings and earned respect. Many communities have defined protocol and process for becoming an Elder. Gender and age are not factors in determining who is an Elder.
Knowledge Carriers may not be considered an Elder but they carry traditional knowledge and expertise in different cultural areas.
Inviting an Indigenous Elder or Knowledge Carrier to your school provides students with an opportunity to learn from authentic voices with lived experience. A.M.D.S.B. staff can access the list of Elders and Knowledge Carriers who they might invite into their schools on The Core.
Tobacco is one of the sacred gifts the Creator gave to First Nations people and has been used traditionally in ceremonies for thousands of years. It is through the gift of tobacco that ceremony is used to connect with Creator and the ancestors.
Offering Tobacco is a respectful way of asking First Nations Elders and Knowledge Carriers for assistance—it is not a symbol of gratitude after help is provided.
It is appropriate to offer Tobacco when asking for a song, a smudging ceremony, a teaching, Indigenous knowledge, or for advice. This should not replace remuneration or honoraria.
When someone accepts Tobacco they are agreeing to listen openly and without judgement and to support you as best they can.
You offer a Tobacco tie or pouch when you make an initial request. When you make your request, offer a Tobacco tie or pouch by holding it in your left hand in front of you, state your request (be specific). If the person accepts your request, place the Tobacco in their hand.
An example of what to say when making your request and offering Tobacco:
I am offering you this Tobacco for…
…teaching my students about local treaties.
…the smudging ceremony.
…your guidance with __________.
If you are asking for assistance from a Haudenosaunee or Inuit Elder or Knowledge Carrier, you would not offer tobacco.
Tobacco is not considered a meaningful gift for the Haudenosaunee because have they traditionally grown their own tobacco. The Inuit do not accept tobacco offerings as they do not use tobacco in their ceremonies.
Instead, you can offer a gift that comes from the land where you are, like local art, honey or jam.
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