Elder and Knowledge Keeper Visits

We here at the Alternative High School are extremely lucky to have regular visits from our Knowledge Keeper, Bruce Schacht and from Elder Pahan.  Students engage in a variety of different learning opportunities both on and off campus.  

Bruce Schacht – Knowledge Keeper 

Bruce Schacht is a knowledge keeper who has been connecting with students, sharing teachings and guiding students to explore Indigenous ways of knowing since 2018 at the AHS. Bruce joins the AHS twice a month on Tuesdays and has in past years hosted AHS staff and students in land-based learning projects at the ceremony grounds in Libau, Manitoba.

Students have this to say about Bruce:

 “I like how it is …sharing perspectives with an elder. It makes me think about a lot of things.”

“Bruce makes me feel more connected with the teachings in my life.”

“Bruce’s teachings get me to slow down a little.”

In Bruce’s words:” I have been a Sweat lodge keeper for about 25 years. I am a grandfather, a father, partner to my wife Pam for the past 38 years, a pipe carrier and a Sundancer. The ceremonies and teachings have been a significant part of my healing journey. In many ways, I owe my life to the Elders and teachers who have taken the time to share these beautiful ways with me. I sincerely hope to continue sharing these same teachings with my own children, grandchildren, community and especially young people. The teachings and ceremonies nurture our spirit and give us the tools to navigate life's journey with love, understanding, faith, growth, strength and resiliency. I can't think of a more worthwhile way to spend my time than by paying it forward.”

We are grateful for Bruce’s support and guidance. 

Pahan Pte San Win (pronounced Pahah) - Elder

BSW RSW With a degree in social work from the University of Calgary, Grandmother Pahan has provided counseling support to residential school survivors and traumatized women. She has been Spiritual Caregiver to incarcerated youth at the Manitoba Youth Centre and to incarcerated men at Stony Mountain Institution.  These days she works with children in various school divisions in Winnipeg providing teachings and the love and guidance of a Grandmother. She is Lakota, Cree and Metis with roots that reach back to Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan and Yellowknife, NT. In 2017, Pahan received an “Honouring Our Elders’ Award” from the Aboriginal Circle of Educators, Winnipeg, MB.