Council of Elders
The Staff and Board of Weechi-it-te-win Family Services would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the Ottertail/Geyshick Family and Lac La Croix First Nation for the loss of Elder, Drum-Keeper, Singer, Knowledge Holder, Mr. Kalvin Ottertail. We will always hold your teachings close to our hearts 
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The Council of Elders are the knowledge keepers and are held in very high regard. Their life experience, teachings and traditional life ways are what drives Weechi-it-te-win’s mandate, philosophy, and practice. The Elders’ invaluable knowledge of customary care, the teachings of Naaniigaan Abinoojii (the child- first and foremost), and their strong belief in helping families is essential to further Weechi-it-te-win’s commitment to finding alternatives to the mainstream child welfare system.
The duty of the Elders Council is to provide guidance and direction to the staff, programs and leadership of Weechi-it-te-win Family Services. The Elders oversee the cultural protocols and care of Weechi-it-te-win’s sacred items; the grandfather drum - "maango-inini", the pipes and eagle staff. Additionally, the Council of Elders are called upon to help with spring and fall ceremonies each year.
Weechi-it-te-win’s Council of Elders are appointed by their respective First Nations. They meet on a bi-monthly basis to provide assistance and direction. Staff may also request special assistance for their programs and for families in need.
Although Weechi-it-te-win Family Services has a Council of Elders, there are many other elders within the ten (10) First Nations and Treaty #3 Territory that are acknowledged for their important contributions to the ongoing development of Weechi-it-te-win.
- George Potson
- George Simard
- Steve Johnson
- Gilbert Smith
- Tommy White
- Willy Wilson
- Harry Windigo
- Fred Kelly
- Edna Morrison
- Rose Marie Tuesday
- Nancy Jones
And those who are no longer here physically.
- Joseph Big George
- Moses Tom
- Elvis Debungee
- Ron Geyshick
- Louise Shebagegit
- Jim Windego Sr.
Front Row: Genevieve McGinnis, Rosie Boshkaykin, Catherine Kelly, Bessie Tom, Gladys Debungee, Bessie Mainville,
Back Row: Rose Marie Allen, Louis Councillor, Agnes Kabatay, Margaret Ottertail