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Defining the Role of Elders Today - In the Family and Community
  
   
  • Pass on the languages (Michif, Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, French, etc.);
  
   
  • Show respect to other elders in the community;
  
   
  • Bridge the gap between Elders and Youth;
  
   
  • Provide a sense of pride in the Métis heritage and traditions;
  
   
  • Tell stories and legends;
  
   
  • Offer guidance (not lectures);
  
   
  • Hold/lead/support summer cultural camps;
  
   
  • Tutor students to help them cope with life;
  
   
  • Talk to young people about traditions, customs, languages;
  
 
  • Act as counselors in school;
  
   
  • Teach parenting programs;
  
   
  • Teach children in schools about culture, history, the present, and the initiatives that Elders have taken;
  
   
  • Form partnerships with Youth to solve problems;
  
   
  • Age does not have very much to do with becoming an Elder - you have to earn the respect of the Community to become an Elder;
  
   
  • Elders need to earn the respect of the community if they want to be involved;
  
   
  • Should have the knowledge of history and traditions;
  
 
  • Person must be honest, spiritual, holistic, and be able to offer guidance and spiritual healing;
  
   
  • Elders should have time and respect for others;
  
 
  • Elders should be good role models to others;
  
 
  • Elders should take time to help others.
  
       
  Elder Development should include:  
 
  • More Elders conferences with young people involved;
  
 
  • Advertise conferences, reach out to the community;
    
   
  • Keep Elders conferences non-political, politicians can speak but should have no control over the conference;
    
   
  • Arrange transportation and accommodations;
    
   
  • More Elders in the community;
    
   
  • More Cultural gatherings;
    
 
  • Help for Elders to heal from residential school experiences;
    
   
  • Elders have knowledge and cultural understanding that needs preserving; 
    
   
  • Teach Youth that Elders are always willing to give advice; 
    
   
  • Change education systems to include more Michif language;
    
   
  • To preserver our culture we must use education (Elders teach Youth);
    
   
  • Children need to be taught to be thankful for parents and grandparents;
    
   
  • Recognize that television is a bad influence;
    
   
  • Recognize that children are stuck between the Métis and White people;
    
   
  • Teach children that when they are in trouble that the Elders want to hear it from them first, not the police or a friend;
    
   
  • Children need to learn to work because this forces you to put limits on yourself by being accountable; and
    
   
  • Sit down and discuss things with children and grandchildren.
    
         
         
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© 2008 Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.