On Elder Recognition Day, the Voices of Future Generations Children’s Initiative (VoFG CI) proudly honours Elder Philomene Sanderson, Wise Woman Elder Advisor to the Indigenous Leadership Council (ILC), celebrating her wisdom, resiliency, spiritual leadership, and education on the impacts of the Sixties Scoop.
Elder Philomene plays a vital role in supporting the Indigenous Child Authors, Child Ambassadors, and leaders of VoFG CI. Her constant encouragement inspires VoFG’s Indigenous Child Authors and Child Ambassadors to embrace their cultural identity, stand proud in their roots, and share their unique voices with the world.
At every online celebration, book launch, and intergenerational roundtable, Elder Sanderson offers sacred opening and closing prayers and blessings. Her gentle presence and words of wisdom create a grounding and culturally-safe space for everyone.
Reflecting on her journey with the young Indigenous authors in the program, Elder Philomene expressed:
““I am very happy to be a part of this project and have enjoyed listening to the experiences and ideas of the children, and their inspiring stories. I send them all my blessings.””
We express our deepest gratitude to Elder Sanderson for her vital contributions. Her guidance and blessings are a gift to us all.
About Elder Philomene Sanderson
Elder Philomene Sanderson, born in the mid-1940s, is an Indigenous Day-School survivor and a Survivor of the Sixties Scoop Mother, having had her child taken away without cause except for being Indigenous. A proud member of the Moosomin First Nation, she achieved reunification with her scooped child 21 years later. Her first language is Plains Cree.
As a highly respected female Elder in her community, Elder Philomene is regularly invited to preside over and attend numerous Indigenous and non-Indigenous functions, meetings, and events. Above all, she is an active community member, a central matriarch to her family, and a proud mother of 4, grandmother of 15, and great-grandmother of 12.
We express our deepest gratitude to Elder Philomene Sanderson for her ongoing guidance, her vital contributions to the ILC and VoFG CI, and her heartfelt blessings for future generations.
