The Elder in Residence at the Mixalakwila campus serves as a respected cultural leader and student‑centered support for the Awi’nakola adult upgrading program, offering guidance rooted in Indigenous knowledge, community connection, and lived experience. In this role, the Elder helps foster a welcoming, culturally grounded learning environment where students feel supported, seen, and encouraged in their educational journeys.
The successful candidate works with the Indigenous Education Department and
Indigenous Education Navigators to provide guidance and supports for Indigenous
students. Elders may also co-deliver workshops, luncheons, and on campus events for
students and staff. Elders are available to meet with students one-on-one, in groups, or
in community to provide culturally relevant supports.
The Elder acts as a link between local Nation communities and North Island College to
provide direction. The Elder is available for NIC employees and staff who may seek out
guidance in regards to: items of protocol; providing welcomes and territorial
acknowledgements; providing guidance around decolonization, Indigenization, and
reconciliation; attending classes to provide knowledge on their area of expertise; and
more.
The Elders may be asked to sit at college-based Council and Committee meetings to
ensure Indigenous voice is included.
The Elders’ provide support and advice to all areas of the college, including students
and employees. Working with NIC policies and guidelines, the Elders’ primary role is
support for students, and to provide advice and support for NIC’s mandate for
Indigenous education. The Elders’ are members of the NIC Faculty Association, and
unique as respected individuals who ensure indigenous ways of knowing and being
become part of the college community.
Through support, respect, leadership, and walking in a good way the Elders:
- Provide guidance and support for students
- Provide guidance with Indigenous Protocol and enact Protocol when required
- Provide guidance and support for employees
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and be apolitical locally and
provincially
- Provide cultural guidance throughout the college
- Provide mentoring as required
- Promote and support the preservation and use of local Indigenous languages
- Participate in the instruction of classes when requested by an instructor
- Assist the college in promoting a welcoming environment for Indigenous people
and positive relationships between the college and Indigenous communities served
- Provide cultural and spiritual assistance as requested
- Participate in NIC events such as student orientation, luncheons, graduation,
etc.
- Actively support the North Island College mission, vision and values
