Defining the Role of Elders Today – In the Family and Community

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• 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

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Elder Development should include:

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• 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