Spencer’s childhood, while happy in her rural home and school in Marysville, Ont., lacked any real focus on her Indigenous heritage. Her mother, by law, had to give up her Mohawk status when she married her father. Spencer grew up near Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, close to her Mohawk relatives but not quite a part of the community. “We work with everyone toward harmony – all religions, philosophies, faith groups, domestic and international students,” she says.īorn to a Mohawk mother and a Dutch immigrant father, Ms. Spencer can clearly see how her journey to embrace her Indigenous heritage has led her to this role, which in addition to student support, is about building relationships with all members of the campus community.
Elders are held in esteem and deeply respected because of this, and an integral part of an Indigenous community. “Elders are knowledge-carriers who help sustain the community and its people, and guide individuals to stay on a good path with their wisdom and stories,” she says. Spencer takes on a very traditional role. Spencer, who recently became elder in residence at Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre, where she works with the Indigenous community on campus, supporting students in their Indigenous knowledge and helping them to blend it into their programs.Īs elder in residence, Ms. In my community and in my life, my responsibility is much the same, to help others who are suffering and guide them to a better place, to help them find a path to health and wellness,” says Ms. “I am Wolf Clan and one of the wolf's responsibilities in nature is to go through the forest and help animals in need. It’s a role that permeates her whole life’s work – as social worker, teacher, activist, and elder in various communities, including Queen’s. In her native Mohawk tradition, Mary Ann Spencer is a pathfinder – someone who holds the responsibility of creating and opening paths for others.
As the elder in residence at the Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre, Mary Ann Spencer helps support students in their Indigenous knowledge and blend it into their programs.
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