ABORIGINAL SERVICES

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NorQuest College is pleased to announce that Nellie Carlson is the Elder on site.

The Aboriginal Elder is here as a spiritual and cultural consultant. Elder Nellie Carlson is available to individual students for cultural and/or Spiritual guidance.

Aboriginal students are invited to drop in every Wednesday between 11am and 2:30 pm in Room 618 for counselling, spiritual guidance, and healing circles. Upon request she will also do talking circles for small groups or classes. Elder Nellie also serves as a cultural expert for the College.

Elder Nellie Carlson is well known in the Aboriginal community for her leadership role and involvement in Native Education for a very long time; the past 47 years. Her knowledge includes personal accounts of Residential schooling to advocacy of the current “Awasis” – Prince Charles School and the former “Sacred Circle” – Aboriginal Education Programs developed for Aboriginal children in the Edmonton Public School District.

Elder Nellie Carlson’s profile include:

	Previously recognized with the prestigious Governor General’s Award in 1986, the second woman in Canada to receive this award.
	In 1989, the city of Edmonton also named “Carlson Close” a street in the Riverbend area after her for her participation on the Social Justice Commission and Aboriginal Mental Health issues.
	Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee Renames Aboriginal Youth Awards issued from the City of Edmonton after Elder Nellie Carlson; Recognizing four outstanding Aboriginal youth each year who demonstrate success or achievement in areas of, Leadership, Sport and Recreation, Academics, Volunteering, Cultural Activities, Dance, Art, Theatre, Music, Science, Environment or Computer Technology.
	Was instrumental in lobbying for Aboriginal women to regain their status when the Canadian Government identified woman as “red-ticket” holders by result of marrying a non-status Métis and thus losing their treaty rights.

Elder Nellie Carlson is of Cree descent and her home community is Saddle Lake Reserve, but moved to Edmonton in 1956.

NorQuest College is very fortunate to bring such a wealth of knowledge and a woman of high esteem to our Campus.

The time set aside for the students is very informal and no need for appointments, drop-in or walk- in basis.