​Glen Dixon shares his Elders​ journey​

Glen Dixon, shíshálh Nation – Coast Salish

The 48th annual Elders Gathering was held on August 13 -14 at the Vancouver Convention Centre held on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territory. First Nations and Indigenous Elders from across BC gathered to make connections, share values, and celebrate through workshops and cultural demonstrations.

This year's Elders Gathering began with the traditional Grand Entry from the hallway into the main hall that was led by Lil'wat, the host Nation. The event included performances, hairdressers, nail technicians, therapeutic wellness, healers, numerous vendors, and various workshops, such as Diabetes Awareness, and Preparing for the Sacred Journey. FNHA's Not Just Naloxone training was also offered.

This was Elder Glen Dixon's second time attending this extraordinary gathering. He held a glowing smile and stood tall with a cedar bark headband gifted to him by his wife and a beautiful, hand-carved walking stick topped with a wolf head. Glen's mom was from the Wolf Clan and his dad the Bear Clan, so his stick has a very special meaning.

Glen is retired and volunteers at shíshálh Nation, which is located along the Sunshine Coast in what is now called Sechelt, BC. He helps to maintain the grounds and take care of security at the Wellness Center. “Life has changed a lot since I was a youth," says Glen. “For me, a lot of my culture was taken away – artifacts, teachings, language, and regalia to name a few."

The role of Elder is a profound responsibility to guide future generations with insight from centuries of tradition, while still being resilient amidst the ever-changing world. The term 'Elder' does not only refer to one's age, but the level of cultural and traditional knowledge a person holds. First Nations Elders are esteemed storytellers, teachers, protectors, healers, and pivotal members of their communities. They actively restore and preserve language and culture, while embodying the legacy of spiritual wisdom that has been entrusted to them by their people. 

“As Elders, we are here to teach our youth through our stories, traditions and truths. Now, the younger generation are learning their ancestral languages and cultures. At the (shíshálh) Wellness Centre, they teach about medicine, canning, cedar weaving and drum making. Hides are taken from the animals to make drums and they teach how to make regalia out of wool."

While he enjoys the Elders Gathering and plans to attend as long as he is able, Glen shared that it is this opportunity to connect with youth that brings him the most joy: “Teaching our history to young ones holds a special place in my heart." 

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