An Odawa from the Wikwemikong Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Wilfred Peltier stands as an important figure in contemporary aboriginal developments. He is a Pipe Carrier and has devoted at least thirty five years to studying with the elders. He speaks two native languages - Odawa and Ojibway - and understands some Plains Cree.

Wilfred Peltier's life has been one of immense variety. During his seventy-some years, he has written books, run businesses, played baseball, organized conferences, run training programs and cross-cultural workshops, provided the narration for films like Bill Mason's Waterwalker, acted as executive director of the National Indian Council of Canada and co-founded a native educational institution. He was one of the moving forces behind the Morley ecumenical gathering which contributed significantly to the growth of aboriginal awareness in the seventies.

An intensely spiritual man, Wilfred Peltier now focuses most of his energy on the preservation and sharing of Native traditions, values and customs. He has spent a number of years as elder-in-residence at Carleton University and has a passionate commitment to educational values which affirm the unique identity of the individual and the development of community.

Workshop

* Through MASC, Wilfred Peltier will introduce students to traditional and contemporary Native stories and will talk to them about his life. Be prepared for them to laugh as well as listen, learn much and hear intently. One of Wilfred's messages has to do with the importance of humor in Native life.

* Wilfred Peltier can also perform pipe ceremonies for an additional $50, but this must be arranged in advance.

* For all his presentations, he needs both a quiet space and atmosphere.

Important

* Schools should also ensure that no photographs are taken while ceremonies are in progress.

* It is traditional for a small gift of tobacco to be offered before an elder shares stories and wisdom.

 
 

For further information, see Pelletier, Wilfred (same man, different spelling) in the CANADIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA.