The Role of Elders in Child and Youth Care Education

Abstract

The development of postsecondary education programs for First Nations students in British Columbia has been accompanied by an ongoing discussion about the ap­proaches and components that are most effective. The authors add to this discussion through a description of the value ascribed to Elders in their traditional roles and as guest teachers in Child and Youth Care First Nations classes offered by Malaspina University-College. Particular emphasis is placed on issues concerning the location of courses and programs in relation to the communities where students will become practitioners in the future.