On-campus Elders

VCC on-campus Elders provide strong advice and natural guidance for Indigenous students and the VCC community. Elders visit the gathering spaces and meet with students on a one‐on‐one basis or group setting. Elders provide cultural teachings and support, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional counselling (in-person or online).

Elder schedule:

• Broadway campus - Elder Ruth Alfred
  • Gathering Space, building B, room 2332
  • Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (subject to change) 
• Downtown campus - Elder Jean Wasegijig
  • Gathering Space, room 100 J-M
  • Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Please email us to arrange a virtual session with an Elder or drop by the Gathering Spaces for an in-person session.

Elder Jean Wasegijig
Odawa First Nation, Wikwemikoong Reserve in northern Ontario
"I believe in balance, harmony, and healing for our people and this is what I focus on in my work. We are all part of a circle, the circle of life, where there is no beginning and no end, where we all are equal in the eyes of the creator. From my Odawa grandmother and the Elders generosity, I received priceless traditional teaching." - Elder Jean

Elder Jean is Odawa First Nation, from the Wikwemikoong Reserve in northern Ontario. Her traditional name is “Good Medicine Woman” a name that was given to her at a sun dance ceremony in Montana. Elder Jean participates in ceremonies and cultural traditions, and continues her counselling work in the community. She is a mother and grandmother.

Elder Jean teaches the Indigenous Perspective course at Vancouver Community College and is also one of the On-campus Elders. Elder Jean facilitates cultural workshops, medicine wheel teachings and Indigenous history. As well Jean is a writer, published poet and artist.