AIIS Elder-in-Residence Program

Program Overview

The American Indian & Indigenous Studies Elder-in-Residence program seeks to improve the experience of Indigenous students by hosting Indigenous Elders on campus for educational exchanges. The program aims to provide students with access to crucial cultural resources, to strengthen partnerships between Tribal Nations and the University, and to improve the campus experience and retention of Indigenous students. Each semester, an Elder visits campus for a full week and is a resource for students and the campus community. Elders are invited from diverse Tribal Nations, and bring unique backgrounds, knowledge, and wisdom to share with the campus community. The Elder-in-Residence program raises awareness of Indigenous cultures and communities at UW-Madison and celebrates Indigenous knowledge on campus.

Elders on Campus

Each semester an Elder visits campus and participates in a number of University and student events. Elders engage with the campus community in various ways:

• Meet individually with students
• Participate in campus community events
• Attend student organization meetings
• Give guest lectures in UW courses
• Meet with faculty & staff across campus

Role of Elders

Elders are highly respected, revered, and recognized as the keepers of wisdom, knowledge, and culture of Indigenous Tribes. Through the stories they hold and their life experiences, Elders are a significant source of Indigenous knowledge and the means by which this knowledge is passed to future generations. Since Elders are important cultural leaders, maintaining respect and etiquette while interacting with them is essential. Respect can be shown through gift-giving to the Elder in thanks for their service or participation. For example, Elders who are asked to say a prayer at a feast or to provide advice are given a gift as a sign of respect and appreciation for the knowledge they share. Tobacco is often gifted because of its sacred value, but other gifts such as beadwork and wild rice are also common. Additionally, at meals and feasts, Elders are always served first. Learning how to respect and appreciate Elders on campus is an important part of the Elder-in-Residence program.