aboriginal, asc, Soup, Bannock, Elders, orientation

Meet with Elders

The ASC has provided Elders Service since 1999. Elders Maria and Walter Linklater host weekly soup and bannock lunches at the Centre from September to April each academic year. They are also available for counseling and/or teachings. Because their time on campus is limited, feel free to use the Soup and Bannock lunches as an opportunity to meet the Elders and arrange more appropriate/lengthier time with them.

Throughout the year Maria and Walter perform traditional ceremonies that are open to all community members but often occur off-campus – weekly sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies, moon and fasting ceremonies, and a yearly culture camp. When requested, they perform a host of ceremonies including opening/closing prayers, birth and death rituals, naming ceremonies, blessings, and prayers for the sick.

Please note the following:

  • The ASC Staff believe in global sustainability. Use of foam and plastic is not contributing to the long-term health of Mother Earth. As a result, the ASC will be phasing out the use of foam bowls and plastic spoons for the traditional soup and bannock. Please bring your own bowl and spoon for the Elders' soup and bannock-treat this event similar to a feast!
  • Women are asked to wear dresses/skirts in honour of their womanhood when meeting with Maria.

For more information or to contact the Elders when they are not on campus, call them at their private residence (306-382-0630).

Soup and Bannock

Luncheon's are 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday, January 11 to April 4, 2012.

Remember to bring you own bowl and spoon!

Pipe Ceremony

Pipe Ceremony will be held at the Rugby Chapel (on the corner of Wiggins and College Drive) at 10:00am on the following dates:

  • Monday January 9
  • Monday February 6
  • Monday March 5
  • Monday April 2

Sweatlodge Ceremony

Sweatlodge will be announced throughout the term, please visit our Centre to find out the next time we will be having one!

Walter Linklater

Walter was born on July 24, 1939 at Fort Frances, Ontario to the Couchiching First Nation, Anishnawbe. Walter attended St. Margaret’s Residential School at Fort Frances and St. Paul’s Residential School in Lebret, Saskatchewan. He has a teaching diploma (Teachers’ College, Moose Jaw), a B.A. in Sociology (Lakehead University) and a B.Ed. (University of Saskatchewan). In 1959 Walter met and married Maria Jane Horse from Thunderchild First Nation.

A well respected Elder, Walter shares traditional spiritual knowledge with all people and many organizations. He is an Elder at the U of S, FNUC, National Parole Board, Urban First Nations Healing Initiative and Aboriginal Justice Learning Network. Walter transferred to Thunderchild Cree Nation and is now a member of Treaty #6.

Maria Linklater

Maria is a Cree from the Thunderchild First Nation. Born April 5, 1942, Maria was raised in Thunderchild and later went to boarding school in Onion Lake. She returned home to help her family at age 17. On May 9, 1959 Maria married Walter Linklater. They have five boys and one girl and have fostered over 350 children.

Maria has worked with many women over the years and was taught extensively by the Grandmothers. She works as an Elder with the U of S and FNUC. Maria is the recipient of numerous awards including the Mayor’s Award for Foster Parenting, Native Woman of the Year and the Native Community Award for Cultural Contribution. Maria currently works reuniting families and foster children.

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