An Elder is a First Nation or Métis person or Inuk who follows a traditional or spiritual path to safeguard customs, language and culture for the coming seven generations.

An Elder has the respect of the people, earned by “walking the talk” in all aspects of life. The community recognizes an Elder and the wisdom he or she possesses through caring for history, language, customs, ceremonies, songs and stories. An Elder does not qualify as such by age alone, and an older person is not automatically an Elder. Rather, he or she has earned this status through dedication and experience, working closely with teachers who traveled the path before them, continually adding to their own understanding and wisdom, and gradually gaining the trust and respect of the community.