Elders Advisory Council

The Elders Advisory Council provides guidance and wisdom to the overall direction of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council by ensuring that Elders from all nine Meadow Lake First Nations have input and a formal influence on the decision-making processes taking place within the organization.

The council is made up of two Elders from each community who meet to discuss important issues that affect the members of the nine First Nations communities. The council strives to bring their traditional knowledge and spiritual teachings to all programs and policies within the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.  The Elders are chosen for these seats depending on their background and area of expertise. Elders are very actively involved with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council Justice and Governance programs, as well as working with Health, Education, and Economic Development. The Elders attend board meetings and work alongside other committee members offering the benefits of their experience and assisting in traditional ceremonies.

A major part of Elder involvement includes a group of Spiritual Elders who perform ceremonies at meetings, gatherings, and conferences. An Elders Coordinator position has been operating at MLTC for several years which was created to assist with Elders’ activities within the organization.  This employee coordinates with the Elders Council to ensure that cultural protocols are observed such as pipe ceremonies and prayers which open and close all important meetings and gatherings. Elders also have used their knowledge of tradition to bridge the generation gap by teaching the youth the significance and protocol for many ceremonies.  The Elders are a key resource for the programs operating within the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and their traditional wisdom and lifetime experience will continue to be incorporated into all tribal council operations.