Six Nations Polytechnic Celebrates the Protectors of our Culture

On September 20, 2023, Six Nations Polytechnic gathered in honour to celebrate the protectors of our culture and present the title of Indigenous Knowledge Guardian to twelve exceptional persons who have strived towards enriching and revitalizing our languages, history and ways of being. It has been a tradition at SNP to recognize individuals in this way with a gathering of gratitude. The individuals are formally recognized as Eihwanǫ́sdá:s (Ca.) or Yerihwanonstats (Mo.) (Indigenous Knowledge Guardian). This term is linked to the concept of rafters for protection – so this is someone who protects the matters – all of our concerns.

The Indigenous Knowledge Guardians are acknowledged knowledge holders that we hold to the highest regard. They have spent a lifetime of learning about our sacred practices and ceremonies, traditional ways, history and have demonstrated a commitment to passing on Indigenous knowledge to the next generation, living through the principles of the Good Mind, and are fluent language speakers.

Six Nations Polytechnic continued the celebrations with acknowledgement and appreciation to Associate Professors and Community Scholars who have dedicated their time to learning and creating resources that will assist in revitalization developments.

The Associate Professors Ehyadǫ̱hsraędei (Ca.)  or Yehyatonhserayente:ri (Mo.)   (those who know things that have been written down or recorded visually) are educators who have an ongoing collaboration with SNP’s learning community. These individuals have shared goals of building Indigenous academic and research capacity while bridging academic research with sustainable community development. They have provided Indigenous students access to academic expertise and mentorship in an environment that is conducive to their cultural safety and empowerment.

The Community Scholars Eihwaędei (Ca.) or Yerihwayente:ri (Mo.) have extensive Hodinohsó:ni’ knowledge in specific areas of our ways of knowing, living and being. They are committed to learning and sharing their valuable teachings to ensure longevity in keeping our traditions alive.

SNP is grateful to these individuals and pleased to recognize them in this way.

Photo by Mark Burnham

Indigenous Knowledge Guardians