Elder-in-Residence Program

Elder Bruce Sitting in the Smudge Lounge at the Wampum Learning Lodge

The Wampum Learning Lodge is proud to host an Elder-in-Residence on-site twice a week. Beginning in 2022, our inaugural Elder-in-Residence was Bruce Elijah from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Currently, the position is held by Betsy Waawaaskone Kechego from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

Our Elder in Residence supports students, staff, and faculty in facilitating and contributing Indigenous ways of knowing, languages, and cultural practices into the university learning and work environment, making it unique in its reach to the entire campus.

The Elder-in-Residence is available for:

  • cultural counselling, teachings, and guidance for Indigenous students, staff and faculty
  • offering learning and unlearning opportunities to the entire Western community
  • offering guidance and consultation about truth, reconciliation, Indigenization and decolonization initiatives across Western
  • facilitate Indigenous ways of knowing, languages and cultural practices on campus

Individuals may schedule an appointment by phone, email, or visiting at the Wampum Learning Lodge. To ensure a time to meet with our EiR is available, please book appointments in advance of when they are needed.

P: 519-661-2111 ext. 84563
E: wampumlearninglodge@uwo.ca

Elder-in-Residence consultation is not for research purposes. Please consult Katie Big-Canoe Indigenous Research Specialist, katie.bigcanoe@uwo.ca for guidance.

Current Elder-in-Residence: Waawaaskone Betsy Kechego

Elder Betsy Kechego

Boozhoo, Aanii kina weya.
Waawaaskone n’diznikaaz, Aajijaak N’dodem, Deshkan Ziibiing n'doonjiba. Gchi-Miigwech and N’gchinendam ge n’miigwechwendam N ‘-naadmaageyaanh zhinda Wampum Learning Lodge.

Hello everyone, my name is Betsy Kechego. I am from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (the original place name is Antler River/Deshkan Ziibiing), and part of the Three Fires Confederacy within Waaweyeyaatonang. I’m a helper within the Thunderbird Lodge and Midewin Lodge, and happy to currently be part of Western’s Wampum Learning Lodge.

I presently live in Deshkan Ziibiing. I am actively involved in my community as a helper in ceremony, language initiatives, researching customary Laws through Chi Naaknigewin. Also, an elected councillor and presently fundraising to build a roundhouse in our community. I am also a Social Worker and Teacher.

It has been a journey of learning and unlearning. I look forward to collaborative conversations within Western’s Wampum Learning Lodge and being part of Western’s community.

Miigwechwendam for the opportunity, and I am grateful to be part of the team here at the Wampum Learning Lodge.
In Peace & Friendship
Weweni , Gchi Miigwech

Waawaaskone Kechego
Betsylee Kechego
P.S.W, N.C.W, S.S.W, B.S.W, B.Ed.

2022-2023 Elder-in-Residence: Bruce Elijah

Elder Bruce ElijahBruce Elijah was born into a traditional family and raised by his parents and grandparents in Oneida Nation, Southwold, Ontario. He is fluent in the Oneida language and has participated in traditional ceremonies his whole life. Bruce is part of the Wolf Clan and brings with him the knowledge and ability to work with traditional practices of the Haudenosaunee and other First Nations.

Bruce has held positions as chief seat warmer, and faith keeper for his clan. During those times he was actively involved with elders of the Haudenosaunee, learning from them. He attended Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) business meetings from 1967 to the late 1990s on international and domestic issues that affected indigenous communities. In 1977, as a Oneida representative, he travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, to the first gathering of Indigenous peoples seeking the protection of Indigenous rights and freedoms; he continued to travel to Europe for several years after as a spokesperson for Indigenous rights.

One of his primary interests was the traditional medicines and healing practices of not only the Haudenosaunee, but all First Nations. More recently, he has been an active part of an alternative clinic in Southern California and in New Mexico where he has learned the importance of using a variety of wholistic medicinal practices.

Read more about Bruce Elijah’s appointment as the first Elder-in-Residence at WLL in Western News.