1. February 2, 2016 Elders Protocol

2. Purpose Infocus Management Consultants LTD. (IMC) propose that Elders play a significant role in the Aboriginal Housing First Readiness Pilot Project. These are the guidelines for engaging Elders in Community-based conversations:  Respect for Elders and their Knowledge.  Consistency in the offering of gifts.  Elder Engagement.  Our main priority is to ensure respectful treatment of Elders and the Indigenous knowledge they carry.  The role of AEC is designed to assist and protect the Elders, IMC and Aboriginal Organizations while guiding protocols between the different organizations. 2/2/20162

3. Purpose Aboriginal Elders on Consultation (AEC) consists of aboriginal contractors and Elders who are familiar with both traditional Aboriginal Protocol and homelessness. Part of the Elders role is to advise on the role of Aboriginal culture between the Aboriginal community and the larger urban community. 2/2/20163

4. Purpose Our priority is to ensure respectful treatment of Elders and the Indigenous knowledge they carry. The Elders Protocol document will assist IMC with the knowledge of how to treat Traditional Elders in a way that is respectful to the traditional peoples, cultures, and the Aboriginal community within Metro Vancouver. 2/2/20164

5. Scope This protocol applies to all IMC management, staff and contractors who engage the experiences and knowledge of Traditional Aboriginal Elders, in carrying out their duties as part of the Aboriginal Housing First Readiness Pilot Project team. 2/2/20165

6. Authority The Aboriginal Elders on Consultation (AEC) will support IMC management, staff and contractors with recommendations of Elders as well as with the traditional process of inviting and thanking them for their contributions. 2/2/20166

7. Protocol To maintain a respectful attitude towards the Elders of this region, these protocols need to be followed: Extending invitation to Elders  Elders must be gifted when you ask them to share their knowledge.  Be very specific when you make your request. 2/2/20167

8. Protocol  Acceptance of a gift means the Elder will do their best to help you.  If they cannot help you, they will not accept the gift.  The one gifting has obligations to respect the Teachings and the Teacher.  It is perfectly appropriate to ask for a referral if the Elder is unable to comply with your request. 2/2/20168

9. Protocol  When gifting, place your gift in front of the Elder and state your request.  The Elder indicates acceptance of your request by picking up the gift.  Handing the gift to the Elder takes away their choice to accept or not accept your request.  Always speak to the gift when stating your request. 2/2/20169

10. Protocol  Tobacco is a sacred medicine and most often used when gifting.  If you gift tobacco, the minimum amount is the amount needed to use in a Ceremonial Pipe.  Most common is a pouch of tobacco wrapped in a piece of cloth.  Mixtures of healthy herbs or medicines cannot be used instead of tobacco. 2/2/201610

11. Gift of Appreciation  Elders are never “paid” for their “work” it is inappropriate to appear as though selling “indigenous knowledge”.  Traditional Indigenous/Cultural knowledge cannot be owned by an individual or institution. 2/2/201611

12. Gifts of Appreciation  Gifts of appreciation afterwards are customary.  This gift can be monetary if presented as a gift and not payment.  Elders must never be asked to sign a “receipt” as acknowledgement of their gift.  Nor should they be asked for Social Insurance Numbers or birthdates. 2/2/201612

13. Travel  Financial reimbursements should be offered to the Elder for costs incurred (travel/food) during their involvement.  A separate travel claim is required.  Financial gifts must have a witness to sign the Elder Form this offers accountability for the funds received. 2/2/201613

14. Elder host/escort  Always ensure there is a host/escort for the Elder if s/he has been invited to a meeting/gathering.  Host/escorts are responsible for:  Transportation  Greeting the Elder  Offering the Gift of Appreciation 2/2/201614

15. Remuneration/Reimbursement IMC has an Elder Form available from the Project Planning Assistants. Contact Patrick Stewart, Project Director at 778-246-1862 if assistance is required. If you wish to have an Elder work with you and you do not know any Elders or you have questions/concerns regarding the protocols contact:  Patrick at 778 246-1862  Aboriginal Elders on Consultation through Infocus Management Consulting, Cheryl Hogg at 604 683-0556 2/2/201615