Elder in Residence

What is an Elder in Residence?

01


FOCUS ON INDIGENOUS WAYS OF KNOWING AND BEING

As an Indigenous organization, we are committed to uplifting the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. The Elder position is designed to assist, inform and provide a tangible link to Indigenous traditions, identities and histories. We see this work as a journey, not a destination.

02


A DEDICATION TO RAVEN’S CORE VALUES

Along with their unique cultural knowledge, protocols, stories, and ways of being, Elders often demonstrate many of the core values Raven holds in high priority: experiential learning and discovery, inclusiveness and diversity, leadership, integrity, and community

03


CEREMONY FOR THE TEAM AND FOR THE PORTFOLIO

The Elder ensures cultural knowledge and activities are accessible through ceremony, practice, and medicines for both the Raven team and portfolio. This way, we are able to value and prioritize the mental, spiritual, and physical health of the Raven family and those we work with.

ELDER IN RESIDENCE

Meet Wendy Phillips

Wendy is of the Bald Eagle Clan, Potawatomi, Ojibwa, and a proud member of Wasauksing First Nation. Her vast knowledge and experience in supporting Indigenous Peoples as an Elder, Indigenous Wisdom Keeper, Ceremonial Leader, Spiritual Educator, Cultural Innovator, Seer, and Traditional Indigenous Healer combined with experience working with Indigenous non-profit and for-profit organizations guides the way Raven works and interacts with our partners, Indigenous Peoples, businesses, and Nations. Building on the foundational work contained in the Raven Indigenous Impact Measurement Framework (RIM), Wendy serves as a key advisor for Raven as we continue to explore all aspects of Indigenous ways of knowing and being in our work.

Wendy balances the cultural and business worlds, implementing Indigenous approaches and frameworks in the areas of strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, social innovation, project and policy development and management and, corporate, financial, and human resources management.