On Wednesday, March 24th, the media, select members of the public, and the site’s creators gathered at Carleton University’s Art Gallery to celebrate the launch of PathoftheElders.com.

Opening with a traditional Aboriginal prayer performed by Dr. John Medicine Horse Kelly Cle-alls, several of the project’s collaborators spoke about their personal involvement with PathoftheElders.com, and shared their vision of a future that increasingly celebrates and teaches Aboriginal culture and traditions.

Speakers included

• Dr. Kimberly Matheson, Carleton University Vice-President (Research and International)

• Dr. Elaine Keillor and Dr. John Medicine Horse Kelley Cle-alls, co-directors of Carleton's Centre for Indigenous Research, Culture, Language and Education, known as CIRCLE

• Stan Louttit of Neh Naak Ko

• Greg Spence of the Mushkegowuk Council

• Franziska von Rosen of Our Incredible World (formally Pinegrove Productions)

• John Mark Seck, president of BlackCherry Digital Media

Each spoke with a passion that demonstrated their deep commitment and dedication to this project.

During the reception, guests had the opportunity to explore PathoftheElders.com. Impressed by the site’s exceptional graphics and rich content, they enjoyed trying the role-playing games, looking through the site’s archival photographs, watching the videos, and listening to the interviews with Elders.

Based on user-feedback, it is clear On the Path of the Elders marks a turning point in quality online resources for Aboriginal youths. As it gains attention, PathoftheElders.com will continue to help reconnect Aboriginal youths with their history and culture and create a bridge between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

Register with PathoftheElders.com to receive updates on this ground-breaking resource!

Let us know what you think! Tell us about your experience with PathoftheElders.com by filling out our short survey.

Thanks to the financial support of Canadian Heritage, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Inukshuk Fund and all the project partners, 'On the Path of the Elders' launches as a complete site on March 24, 2010. The site includes the full 'Knowledge Quest' RPG (Role Playing Game) and a large archive of photos, elder videos and audio stories.

The site was produced through a partnership between the Mushkegowuk Cree, Carleton University, BlackCherry Digital Media Inc. and Pinegrove Productions.