For the Carleton University Community to request an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and/or Elder, our team asks that you fill out the below form a minimum of three (3) weeks prior to your event or gathering. Once the form is submitted, our team will review it and the request will be forwarded to Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have expressed an interest in receiving such requests. Interested Elders or Knowledge Keepers will follow up directly with you or your team through the contact information provided. This process is intended to ensure that Elders and Knowledge Keepers have full autonomy over who has access to their contact information.
If you do not receive a response, this means no one is available to accommodate your request.
Below are some examples of events where it would be deemed appropriate to invite an Elder and/or Knowledge Keeper:
- Supporting Indigenous student success
- Supporting teaching and learning with Indigenous knowledge
- Supporting research and graduate students
The Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement Compensation Guide
| Opening Prayer/Remarks | Half Day Rate: $200.00 (honorarium) |
| Closing Prayer/Remarks | Half Day Rate: $200.00 (honorarium) |
| Request to share teachings with a class | Full Day Rate: $400.00 (honorarium) |
| Request to be a Panelist | Full Day Rate: $400.00 (honorarium) |
| Request as a speaker/lecturer/facilitator | Elders and Knowledge Keepers have their own speaker fees so please inquire about those rates. This will mean they need to be paid as an independent contractor. |
Please note: It is customary in most Indigenous cultures to offer a small gift in addition to monetary compensation. It is also customary in Algonquin territory to offer tobacco when asking something of an Elder or Knowledge Keeper. This is often customary for other First Nation people and many Métis as well.