Elder in the House Program
What is an elder?
An elder is an older aboriginal person who adopts the role of a surrogate grandmother or grandfather. Elders possess a wealth of knowledge and life experiences with specific expertise in aboriginal culture that they are eager to share with the younger generations.
What is the elder in the house program?
Elders are available at The Gathering Place and provide personal consultation, conversation, guidance and mentorship to aboriginal students. Elders engage with students using a variety of traditional aboriginal life skill methods including: the ‘talking circle’ and elder knowledge. TRU elders have a demonstrated belief in the value of education and a record of supporting aboriginal students in their educational success.
There are currently four elders working at the gathering place:
These elders rotate days so there will be an elder at the Gathering Place every day of the week. If you would like to spend some time with an elder, drop into the Gathering Place.
Our Elders
Elder Jim Jack
Jim is 71 years old. He was born in Spences Bridge and grew up in the Nicola Valley. He currently resides in Quilchena, located in the Merritt area. Jim moved a lot growing up and so has developed some great tips on how to get adjusted to a new place and make friends. Jim also comes from a large family having 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Jim is a retired social worker who did not obtain his degree until he was 40 years old. Because of this, Jim can easily relate to the trials of going back to school after being in the working world, and wants to encourage youth to stay in school.
Jim is a gentle spirit at the Gathering Place and a man of few words despite the fact that he is trilingual, fluent in the Thompson, Okanagan and English languages. We are fortunate to have Jim at TRU, especially during convocation when he shares his personal education, experiences and blessings with the entire student body and community.
Elder Mike Arnouse
Mike was born and raised in Adams Lake, B.C. but has lived in various places around North America throughout his lifetime. Mike is one of the few fluent speakers of Secwepemctsin - the Secwepemc language.
Mike had the unfortunate experience of attending the Kamloops Indian Residential School (KIRS) until his grade 11 year and is willing to share the truth of his experiences there. Mike is also open to sharing issues surrounding the government, cultural ceremonies and aboriginal protocol.
Mike is known for being very humble, welcoming and respectful, with a real passion for sharing his knowledge about the history of aboriginal people and the teachings of the ancestors. Everyone at the Gathering Place feels very fortunate to have Mike at TRU because he acts as our own spiritual advisor through sharing his knowledge of songs, ceremonies and smudges.
Elder Estella Patrick Moller
Estella is 71 years old and is from Nakazdli First Nations in Fort St. James. Estella has 5 siblings: Norman, Irene, Shirley and the twins, Patsy and Raymond. Estella is a fluent speaker of the Carrier language and loves sharing her knowledge of the Carrier traditions, ceremonies, and women’s ways.
Estella is a very active individual who enjoys a variety of hobbies. Books, sewing skirts, pow wows, gatherings, hiking and trying new foods are just some of the things she does on a regular basis.
Estella is a strong believer in the healing properties of medicine and meditation and so enjoys gathering various medicines and making medicine bags. Because of this, Estella can often be found meditating on the mountains surrounding Kamloops. Estella is a true joy around the Gathering Place with a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge and helping the students to focus on their own personal development.