Our Elders and Knowledge Keepers
The guidance and support from First Nations and Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers is critical to Following Their Voices. Elders and Knowledge Keepers (Nêhiyawak (Cree: Plains, Swampy, Woodland), Denesuline (Dené), Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Nahkawé (Saulteaux) and Métis (Michif)) have been engaged and involved in Elders’ Gatherings, provincial professional learning and development sessions, committee work and Leadership Team meetings to support the implementation and development of Following Their Voices. Their wisdom, experience and worldviews are valued and we are honoured to work with them.
Cree Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Norman Charles
WOODLAND CREE • 2015 - 2023
Martin Durocher
PLAINS CREE • 2022 - Present
Irene Ermine
PLAINS CREE • 2015 - 2020
Willie Ermine
PLAINS CREE • 2015 - Present
Keith Goulet
SWAMPY CREE • 2022 - Present
Delvin Kanewiyakiho
PLAINS CREE • 2015 - 2023
Mary Lee
PLAINS CREE • 2014 - Present
Sally Milne
WOODLAND CREE • 2022 - Present
Lizzie Roberts
WOODLAND CREE • 2022 - Present
Edie Venne
WOODLAND CREE • 2022 - Present
Dakota, Lakota and Nakota Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Eunice Bear
2022 – Present
Wayne Goodwill
2015 - Present
Rita Goodwill
2022 - Present
James (Joe) O' Watch
2015 - Present
Theresa O' Watch
2022 - Present
Darlene Speidel
2015 - 2023
Donnie Speidel
2015 - 2023
Dené Elders
Daniel Alphonse
2022 - Present
Margaret Reynolds
2015 - Present
Paul Sylvester
2015 - 2019
Métis Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Wilfred Burton
2022 - Present
Nora Cummings
2015 - 2019
Robert Doucette
2022 - Present
Marie Favel
2015 - Present
Jim Favel
2015 - 2019
Andre Letendre
2015 - Present
Michel Maurice
2014 - 2020
Robert McAuley
2022 - Present
Julie Pitzel
2015 - 2020
Ed St. Pierre
2015 - 2023
Harriet St. Pierre
2015 - Present
Nahkawé (Saulteaux) Elders
Cecile Asham
2015 - Present
Gilbert Kewistep
2022 - Present
Joe Quewezance
2015 - 2022
Albert Scott
2015 - 2021
Frances Scott
2015 - Present
Swampy Cree/Metis Elder
Isabelle Impey
2015 - Present
Leadership Team
The Following Their Voices Leadership Team is a diverse group including Elders, provincial directors of education, a First Nation education representative, a Métis education representative and Ministry of Education representatives.
This team is responsible for providing oversight and direction for the Following Their Voices initiative and include:
Elder Mary Lee
Plains Cree
Pat Bugler
Director of Education
Treaty Six Education Council
Jennifer Hingley
Superintendent
Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division
Brent Hills
Deputy Director of Education
Saskatoon Public Schools
Davin Hildebrand
Deputy Director
Northwest School Division
Sheila Pocha
Program Head, Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program
University of Saskatchewan
Angella Pinay
Superintendent
Good Spirit School Division
Tim Caleval
Executive Director
Ministry of Education
Facilitation Team
Provincial Facilitators provide support to Following Their Voices schools through in-person visits, telephone calls, emails and other support as required.
The team includes:
Elisa Hryniuk
Richelle Ackerman
Curtis Howie
Geraldine Delorme-Bouvier
Jana Ross
Jessica Blacklock
Ashley Oystrick
Scott Hepworth
The journey has been life changing. As a teacher, I have been able to change the way I teach and deliver content to my students in exciting ways . . . I am so grateful for being a part of true change. I will never be the same.
— Tricia Lucyshyn, Teacher, Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division