Elders Forum

NWMO Elders Forum and Niigani

Early in the NWMO's work we reached out to Aboriginal people, organizations and communities to better understand Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and how it might inform and become an integral part of our work. As a result of this, recognized Aboriginal organizations were invited to recommend to the NWMO, two Elders to sit on a group that would provide wisdom and advice in engaging with Aboriginal peoples as our work evolves.

The Elders Forum was formed in 2005 and has met each year since.The Elders Forum is made up of First Nation, Métis and Inuit members who represent a broad range of interests such as Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, political affairs, community development, health and welfare, Aboriginal communications, cultural life of community and relationships, community protocols, treaty and historical relationships and youth interests.

Each Elder appointed to the Elders Forum is also invited to ask a youth to attend the Forum with him/her to act as a support and to learn from Elders in their discussion with the NWMO to promote the intergenerational learning that we believe is so important in the long-term nature of our work.

Mission Statement

Protect and preserve all creation: air, land, fire, water, plants, medicines, animals and human kind - guided by the seven universal teachings of love, trust, sharing, honesty, humility, respect and wisdom.

Elders Forum members

Mary Gwen Bear

1948-2012

Elder Gwen Bear It is with a sad heart that we write of the passing of our good friend Gwen Bear. Gwen provided advice in her good natured and thoughtful way as a long- standing member of the NWMO Elders Forum. Gwen's generosity of spirit, gentle manner, profound wisdom and sincere friendship will be missed by all who knew her.   Born in Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, Gwen was a teacher and a spiritual and cultural leader for the Aboriginal community. An avid volunteer, Gwen was well known as a councilor, leader, teacher, innovator, role model and a truly good person.She was the President of the New Brunswick Native Women’s Council, the Elder in Residence at the University of New Brunswick and for 18 years taught the Native Arts Study program at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She was highly respected in her home province of New Brunswick and nationally.

It is important to note that members of the Elders Forum are not at the Forum as representatives of the recommending organization. Rather, they are asked to offer what insight and wisdom they have as individuals.

Reports from each Elders Forum are posted on the NWMO website.

In 2006 the NWMO Aboriginal Working Group, Niigani, was formed from among the members of the Elders Forum to provide the NWMO with ongoing advice during the year between Elders Forum meetings.

	NWMO Elder's Forum 9 Report, November 2011
	Elders Forum 8, October 2010 The Elders Forum met in camera (Elders Forum 8) in October 2010.  No written report of proceedings was provided to the NWMO for posting on the NWMO website. A verbal debriefing was provided to the NWMO by Elders Forum members, including the need to restructure the Elders Forum and initial thoughts on how best to proceed.  These ideas were reflected in material which was jointly developed with members of the Elders Forum. That material was the foundation for the restructuring documents  presented  and discussed at Elders Forum 9 and Elders Forum 10.
	NWMO Elder's Forum 7 Report, July 2010
	NWMO Elders' Forum 6 Report, July 2009
	NWMO Elders' Forum 5 Report, April 2009
	NWMO Elders' Forum 4 Report, June 2008
	NWMO Elders' Forum 3 Report, August 2007
	NWMO Elders' Forum 2 Report, October 2006
	NWMO Elders' Forum 1 Report, August 2005
	Appendix 3: Presentation
	Niigani

Report of the Elders Forum and Niigani 2005–2010

Established in 2005, the NWMO Elders Forum and its working group, Niigani, have been providing advice to the NWMO on a range of important topics. The Elders initiated development of a report to summarize their advice. In this report, Elders review the advice provided to the NWMO by the Forum since its establishment in 2005 and describe their relationship with the NWMO.

As noted in the report, “…Elders want to give the best advice they can to the NWMO so they requested a written report be completed to record the highlights of their advice…It is our view that a written text will document our legacy and will enhance and protect the credibility of the relationship between the Elders Forum and the NWMO.” The report was submitted by the Elders Forum to the NWMO Board of Directors and was included in the NWMO Triennial Report 2008 to 2010.

	Report of the Elders Forum and Niigani 2005–2010
	Triennial Report 2008 to 2010