Emergency

Traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers at Sheway

The Traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers Program embeds Elders and Knowledge Keepers from different First Nations at community sites.

They have life experiences, historical knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and cultural connections to support client and patient care and play an essential role in ensuring culturally safe care at VCH.

Traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers services

  • Access to traditional medicines
  • Cultural activities such as drumming and singing and other teachings as needed
  • Land-based healing and ceremony such as an annual Baby Welcoming Ceremony
  • Cedar gathering and weekly Cedar Brushing
  • Weekly community kitchen group where a Knowledge Keeper shares teaching on traditional foods
  • Sheway posts a weekly and monthly Cultural Calendar of events for clients

How to access

  • Check eligibility

    Any client or family member is eligible to request access to a Traditional Elder or Knowledge Keeper.

  • Request access

    Speak with a Sheway staff member to help you access a Traditional Elder or Knowledge Keeper.

Hours of operation

Currently open
  • Monday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday:   8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday:   Closed
  • Sunday:   Closed

Closed Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays.

How to get here

Limited paid street parking is available nearby.  Accessible by transit on the number 20 bus.

Learn about the service

Traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers

The Traditional Elders and Knowledge Keepers Program embeds Elders and Knowledge Keepers from different First Nations at acute and community health care sites.