Elder Teachings
Join Our Learning Community
Learn directly from First Nations Elders.
For millennia, knowledge has passed from generation to generation through the teachings of Elders in Indigenous communities. Now, through our weekly Elder Hours, you have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with respected oral traditional Elder scholars. These aren't your typical lectures—they're rich, open dialogues where students and community members alike can ask questions, listen and experience the profound depth of intergenerational learning.
Fall '24 Elder Hours
Below is the weekly schedule that First Nations Elders will be available on the Green Bay campus. From creation stories to astronomy to plant life, and various personal stories and experiences, Elders share Indigenous knowledge that preserves First Nations culture and helps people form new perspectives. Stop by 410 Wood Hall to connect with Elders!
Monday
- Elder: Napos (Menominee)
- Hours: 12:30 p.m. - 2p.m.
Tuesday
- Elder: Marj (Oneida)
- Hours: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday
- Elder: Judge Raasch (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans)
- Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Elder: Napos (Menominee)
- Hours: 12:30 p.m. - 2p.m.
Thursday
- Elder: Dr. Carol (Oneida)
- Hours: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Discover
Outdoors
In collaboration with the UW-Sea Grant, learn from Indigenous Elder Randy Cornelius.
As an Indigenous Elder from the Oneida tribe, Randy Cornelius will help you learn about the environment around you as you walk through the actual environment. There are three opportunities, each centered around a different topic:
- September 24, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Plant walk | Communiversity Park
- October 22, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Water/birds | Trout Creek, Oneida
- November 12, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Hunting | Phoenix Park fire pit
Medicine Wheel
Teachings
Learn from Napos, a Menominee Elder.
This is an oral recording of Medicine Wheel teachings by Napos, Menominee Nation. Napos speaks the Menominee language throughout the video. Specific to the western Great Lakes, these teachings reflect First Nations worldview and including teachings on concept of “4” and the Seven Gifts as a way of living in the world. We are grateful to Napos for sharing his knowledge, as well as Stephanie Stevens, the Medicine Wheel teachings project coordinator and artist.
Oral Traditional Elders Scholars in Residence
It is because First Nations Elders are willing to continue to provide teaching opportunities to younger people through this experience that the Center is able to provide Elder hours. We are grateful to them for this tremendous teaching and learning opportunity!
- Napos (Menominee)
- Marj Stevens (Oneida)
- Judge Raasch (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans)
- Dr. Carol (Oneida)
- Randy Cornelius (Oneida)
Let's Connect
We meet students and community members where they're at. If you're interested in becoming more culturally aware or need more information about Elder hours, get in touch with our team, like Megan Dufrane-Goose, First Nations Student Success Manager.