- Definition
A knowledge holder is someone in a community, often an Elder, who is trusted to remember and share important cultural stories, traditions, and ways of life that have been passed down through generations. They often guide their community based on this special knowledge.
An Elder who teaches children traditional songs and stories is a knowledge holder.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A Knowledge Holder is a person recognized by their community for carrying and sharing particular knowledge, teachings, or practices.
Ask your child: Why is it important to listen respectfully when someone shares knowledge from their community?
Common mix-up: Knowledge Holders are not defined only by age. Communities have their own protocols about who holds knowledge and how it may be shared.
Examples
- A community member who knows how to find and use traditional medicines from plants.
- Someone who shares important histories and ceremonies that have been passed down.
knowledge holder is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
