Page 30 - Alderville First Nation
P. 30
Elders
Anishinaabe people do not refer to Elders as senior citizens. The
term Elder refers to much more than a person’s age. An Elder is
someone who has lived past the middle stages of life who our
people look to when seeking information and knowledge about
Anishinaabe culture.
Elders are the “wise ones” because they have gained wisdom
by living life in a spiritual way and are always prepared to help
others. An Elder is someone who knows traditional knowledge,
history, and ceremonies. They live life in a manner that is often
described as being “traditional” or simple, and they practise the
ceremonies.
Sometimes we refer to a
younger person as being an Elders usually claim they are not knowledgeable, but when we
Elder, but if that person has
ask them a question about something, they share a story. We
not lived past the middle
have to listen carefully to understand the points of their stories.
stages of life, then it might be
better to refer to that person Elders say young people often don’t know how to
as being a traditional person listen anymore.
or knowledge keeper. In
Anishinaabe culture, a person Elders are often asked to sit as a “Council of Elders” who are
cannot call himself or herself
listened to and observe how the affairs of a community or
an Elder unless the community
organization are being conducted. Elders are able to scold
says the person has earned
the right. without fear. They scold in a quiet way and are careful not to
hurt anyone’s feelings.
Artist Rick Beaver
Dave Simpson, member of the OTC Elders council
28 Alderville First Nation
ogemawahj_community_book3.indd 28 2019-02-28 10:57 AM
