Elder Jean Wasegijig, Elder Support & Counselling Provider
In April of 2022, the Resident Wellness Office began a pilot program to support all residents in the Indigenous Family Medicine program which later extended to all residents (Indigenous or non-Indigenous). The RWO is thrilled to be working in collaboration with Elder Jean Wasegijig who is Odawa First Nation, from the Wikwemikoong Reserve in northern Ontario. Elder Jean is of the Bear Clan and her traditional name is “Good Medicine Woman” a name that was given to her at a Sundance Ceremony in Montana. Elder Jean participates in ceremonies and cultural traditions. She is a mother and grandmother. As a mature student Elder Jean graduated with an Associate of Applied Arts degree at Douglas College and majored in Psychology at Simon Fraser University, before pursuing Substance Abuse Counselling training at the University of the Fraser Valley. Elder Jean has worked in the counselling field in corrections, treatment center and in the community, as well as providing Elder’s teachings. Elder Jean, with her counselling experience and Elder’s teachings has graciously offered her services to help support UBC residents.
What Does An Elder Support Session Look Like?
Elder Jean will work with residents through an Indigenous perspective and often incorporates the medicine wheel as a teaching tool with both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous residents. Sessions can take the approach of Elder support or teachings depending on the resident’s goals. The medicine wheel has been used by generations of various Native American tribes and Indigenous folks for health and healing. It represents the four directions of North, East, South, and West and moves in the direction of the sun, clockwise. Elder Jean will guide residents through this process.
Who Can Access Elder Support?
All residents are eligible to access Elder Support and Counselling with Elder Jean. Residents do not need to identify as Indigenous to access supports, though Indigenous residents will be prioritized.
How Many Sessions Can I Use?
As this is a pilot program, there is no current cap on the amount of sessions that can be used. It is important to note that accessing counselling and supports through Elder Jean do not count toward the 10 session limit with the other counsellors at the RWO.
When Can I Have a Session?
Elder Jean is available Mondays and Fridays to provide Elder Support and Counselling between 9am and 3pm. If you are seeking Elder Support outside of these days, please contact us at resident.wellness@ubc.ca.
Where Do The Sessions Take Place?
Elder Jean is available to take a session on Zoom or in person at Diamond Health Care Center on the 10th floor in one of the RWO offices, 10203 or 10228.
I am Indigenous/Want to Support Indigenous Learners, How Can I?
The RWO has compiled a resource guide for Indigenous residents as well as a resource for health care providers to support Indigenous Residents. Please review them here:
