Knowledge Makers

We start the morning with quiet, some food and a hot drink. We say first hellos to one another and see the group forming for the first time as one by one we arrive. The Elders were there first, though. They have been ready before this beginning and they have been waiting. This is important work. There are Elders, professors, students, administrators, support staff around. A few husbands, wives and partners. A few young children. There are linking double doors between classrooms. They are opened wide. We see the room next door with a circle of desks, and chairs in front in an inner circle. There are symbols around the room — a map of Secwepemc Nation, bark baskets, a pine needle basket, the poster of First Peoples Principles of Learning, the artwork The Elders are Watching. The Elders move to the front door to the new room. We gather behind. Some of the senior scholars and community members can be seen moving to the back. Things become silent. A humming, tapping drumming begins. Smudging sage is lit. A reminder of women’s moontime is murmured. Elder Mike taps the heel of his eagle-headed walking stick and walks forward with our Elders Doreen, Estella and Margaret. We smudge, too, if able. We follow slowly, in the direction of Earth’s rotation. We pause when the Elders pause. We move forward when the Elders do. We enter the circle of chairs walking again the full circle to vacant seats. No one cuts across the circle. Everyone moves together and is learning through watching. We know there is a pattern to all of this, but no one holds a program in their hands. A few nods to confirm. A few gentle smiles and hand movements to reassure where to be. We remain standing. The words and prayers from the Elders begin. Knowledge Makers begins.