Meet the Community

Elders in residence

On-campus Elders provide strong advice and natural guidance for Indigenous students and the broader VCC community. Elders visit the gathering spaces and meet with students on a one‐on‐one basis or in a group setting. Elders provide cultural teachings and support, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional counselling (in-person or online).

Elder Jean Wasegijig

Elder Jean is an Odawa First Nation member from the Wikwemikoong Reserve in northern Ontario. Her traditional name is “Good Medicine Woman,” which was given to her at a sun dance ceremony in Montana. Elder Jean participates in ceremonies and cultural traditions, and continues her counselling work in the community. She is a mother and grandmother.

Elder Jean teaches the Indigenous Perspective course at Vancouver Community College and is also one of the on-campus Elders. Elder Jean facilitates cultural workshops, medicine wheel teachings and Indigenous history. As well Jean is a writer, published poet and artist.

“I believe in balance, harmony, and healing for our people, and this is what I focus on in my work. We are all part of a circle, the circle of life, where there is no beginning and no end, where we all are equal in the eyes of the creator. From my Odawa grandmother and the Elders generosity, I received priceless traditional teaching.” – Elder Jean

Elder Jean’s schedule:

• Downtown campus
• Gathering Space, room 100 J-M
• Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Email indigenous@vcc.ca to get in touch with Elder Jean.

Indigenous advisors

Indigenous advisors provide one-on-one guidance and support to Indigenous learners at any point in their journey. If you are considering applying, already enrolled, or need help accessing funding or job opportunities, reach out to an advisor with your question. Advising hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Broadway campus. 

Indigenous services staff