Elders In Residence

American Indian Student Support Services

Project Summary

As part of our commitment to cultural learning and community engagement, we are launching an Indigenous Elders-in-Residence program. Elders from local Indigenous communities will spend 10–12 hours per week mentoring students, leading workshops based on their traditional knowledge, and participating in meaningful conversations at all four American Indian Student Support Services (AISSS) sites. The program also includes field trips to nearby Indigenous communities, offering students immersive, hands-on learning experiences. This initiative creates space for intergenerational connection, cultural exchange, and deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, perspectives, and practices.

Project Manager

Jim Larney

Required Documents

Project plan

Timeline

Start

08/22

End

06/25

Project Goals

Foster Intergenerational Learning and Mentorship
Create meaningful opportunities for students to learn directly from Indigenous Elders through mentorship, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
Strengthen Student Identity, Belonging, and Cultural Pride
Support Indigenous students in connecting with their heritage, building community, and developing a stronger sense of belonging within academic spaces.
Build Lasting Relationships Between Campus and Indigenous Communities
Deepen partnerships with local Indigenous communities through ongoing engagement, including site visits and cultural field trips.
Promote Holistic Student Support
Address the spiritual, cultural, academic, and emotional needs of Indigenous students through a culturally grounded support model.
Establish a Sustainable, Scalable Model
Pilot and refine the Elders-in-Residence approach as a framework that can be expanded or replicated across other programs or institutions.