I wanted to share my heartfelt thanks to everyone that made this weekend possible. I felt cared for, the food was amazing, and I feel inspired by the generosity of the knowledges and gifts shared with us. The songs, dances, and stories were so powerful when told collectively and on the lands the community don’t normally have access to. I really appreciate the thought and care all the organizers, especially the elders, put into crafting such a wonderful event. Thanks for your incredible work!

Elders Teaching the Academy was a rare and generous gift of knowledge and stories, protocol and ceremony, gratitude and love that filled my heart and fueled my commitment to decolonizing my professional work and the personal responsibility I hold as a white settler Canadian to bring others along on my learning journey of truth, respect and reconciliation. This event has had a deep impact on me and it is my hope that the elders continue to find the strength, generosity and courage to host others from the academy who are willing to learn in the future. I am forever grateful!

The Elders Teaching the Academy was an exceptional experience. I learned so much from listening to and witnessing the teachings, stories, Hul’qumi’num language, ceremony and protocols of the Speaker, Elders, and knowledge keepers. In particular, I was moved by witnessing the sharing of stories, people’s lived experiences, and the welcoming and supportive ways in which people were encouraged to share their feelings with the community and guests.

The words I know cannot convey the gift I carry from being a part of the gathering. The energy is still with me. Or perhaps more correctly - I am still with the energy.

Elders Teaching the Academy was a powerful and influential experience. Elders Teaching the Academy made it clear that love should be a core pedagogical value. Deep love for Indigenous youth was present in what every speaker said. Students should feel that same level of care and support from their university teachers as well, and this event inspired me to be more open with my students about that love in the future. The spirit of the event itself impacted me almost as much as the words of the speakers. Thank you so much for the wonderful event.

The Elders Teaching the Academy conference demonstrated the intricacies of protocol, the critical nature of relationship and reciprocity and provided a platform for knowledge holders to share their teachings. Being on the land gave context to the community members, provided an accessible, safe space for people to gather. It was well organized and managed according to the ways of the people of this land. My hope is that the members of the academy who were present were able to see the value to connection, and the importance or working with community leadership. Please do this again next year!

I just wanted to follow up to say how much I enjoyed Elders Teaching the Academy this weekend. It was a life changing experience for me. It was such a learning experience to see the ways in which the whole community displayed respect for the elders, from making sure they were served first, to supporting them as they walked. People were always checking in with them to make sure they were comfortable and had everything they needed. Thanks again for creating such an amazing experience.