Louis L'amour once stated, "Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value."
The term "Knowledge Keeper" is originally a saying acknowledging special individuals in the Indigenous community. They were taught by an Elder or a senior Knowledge Keeper within their community. This person holds traditional knowledge and teachings, they have been taught how to care for these teachings and when it is and is not appropriate to share this knowledge with others.
So why write about this topic this week?
Last week I discussed my involvement in the community and the role I have taken on as a volunteer. That role was becoming a volunteer firefighter with Blackfoot Fire and Rescue in the County of Vermilion River.
One of the first things in my journey to acquiring an NFPA 1001 standard, something I'll touch on in a later article, is a county orientation course.
The individual who chose to give up his time to teach 15 eager-minded students over the weekend has over 25 years in the fire service.
Why were they there? To quote Lyle, one of those instructors. "Someone was here for me when I was in your shoes 28 years ago."
For the next 20 hours, he and his motley crew of smoke eaters did exactly that. They took individuals like myself with nearly zero knowledge of firefighting and gave us the basics.
The knowledge they've acquired through real-life experience is astounding. This led me to thinking.
Almost all of us are extremely knowledgeable in something. You don't have to be a teacher to share it, and you don't have to be very old, either. Maybe it's making quilts or play music. It's a hobby or side-gig or interest you've gone down way to many rabbit holes on and now know way to much.
You've probably brought it up with others, and, depending on the topic and group, people may look at you like you're crazy. Most of us have been there. However, don't let it discourage you from sharing your knowledge. Find that group of like-minded individuals or someone who wants to learn and share it with them.
Someone out there will appreciate everything you are trying to share. With social media, it's easier to find that someone.
If my firefighter teachers had gone into a group of cardiac surgeons or a high-level Dungeons & Dragons game, spouting stats about water supply, they would have been looked at as crazy.
Your knowledge is power, you are an asset to a community, you just have to find the right community. I promise you will save people a lot of time and frustration if you teach them what you know.
On a personal note, on behalf of the over dozen new firefighters from the recent course, I want to thank those who taught us the basics. It's a jumping-off point to learn so much more about what we've chosen to do.
Read More: Column: Planting a legacy in Lloydminster - Meridian Source
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
