Cumberland College set to launch elders-in-residence program.
A unique initiative at Cumberland College in Nipawin, Melfort and Tisdale will bring more Indigenous elders to campus.
College President Tom Weegar said the ‘Elders-in-Residence’ program will offer students an opportunity to meet with Métis and First Nation Elders from around the region to engage in traditional teaching on various topics.
“Elders will be able to connect with Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and guide them or help them face issues like financial trouble, problems with family or even stress around midterms,” Weegar said.
Weeger has worked in community colleges for 26 years and in that time, helped implement an elders-in-residence program at North Island College in Port Alberni, B.C. He said elders are a strong retention tool in helping students stay motivated and focused on success.