Documentary project to bridge gap between Elders and youth

The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre is moving into the second phase of its Legacy of Our Elders project.

Wil Belcourt, the centre’s executive director, is one of the first to admit that even amongst today’s adult population, there are many who have not heard the stories, legends or their own cultural heritage from their predecessors.

“This huge void needs to be filled and that’s likely our major challenge,” said Belcourt. The Legacy of Our Elders project is dedicated to encourage seniors and Elders to “reclaim their voices and impart wisdom and knowledge,” said Belcourt.

The project is also meant to “evoke a sense of well-being and holistic healing” which can then lead to “the creation of safe and healthy communities and individuals,” especially for those who are most at risk, he adds.

Earlier this year, the centre received $25,000 through New Horizons. The project officially fired up in July. With cooperation from fellow workers Josephine Cardinal, Rhea Quintal, Doreen Pruden, and Karla Ulrich, Belcourt rounded up professional audio equipment and digital video cameras to produce the documentary. The first phase got under way with filming and interviews occurring at the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage and field trips to Métis Crossing and elsewhere, and filming at the senior’s centre itself.

  Phase two will see the development of more short documentaries and an interactive website using the recorded and documented material to provide online instruction. Users will be able to select a link focusing on culture, history, language, life experiences, spirituality, traditions and more, thanks in large part to the generosity of seniors whose voices mirror their stories and wisdom. Through electronic media, seniors will engage and give back to the communities thus providing that missing link between generations and those that are knowledgeable.

The third and final phase will begin once the Legacy of Our Elders documentaries are finalized and ready to air.

“An open invitation to a fundraising celebration will be announced with the object of developing new partnerships and strategies to assist in the success of the project,” said Belcourt.

“The principal target of this scenario is the youth,” he added.
Belcourt believes that once youth have the knowledge, values and means of passing it onto others, the project’s primary objective will have been achieved.

“That is how we view the project - as a catalyst that’ll add to the many life betterment and crime prevention programs.. . . that will cross the divide that is missing . . . by bridging the gap and bringing together youth and Elders,” he concluded.