It is important to raise children in a manner in which they will become loving, honorable and empathetic elders. Elders play an incredibly important role in Indigenous communities as they are regarded with high esteem and purpose.
I recently presented and facilitated at a conference that I was honored to listen to Dr. Martin Brokenleg and Dr. Darien Thira speak. Both of these extraordinary men spoke about the importance of elders in community and how we must do better to raise our children to be the elders they are meant to.
What do you think of when you think of an elder? One of the most beautiful teachings I ever received was to be a person of the heart. What qualities would a person of the heart possess? When I think of my own Grandmother and Grandfather, I am humbled by the example they set and legacy they both hold in our community and family. My Grandparents volunteer and take leadership roles from the goodness of their hearts. They do not do it for recognition or accolades; instead, they build their community because it is the right thing to do.
Our children will be elders one day. It is up to us how we treat them and the examples we set that will in turn influence who they become. To be a person of the heart and Rainbow Warrior are two of the greatest honors a person can be. I hope we all do the healing work we need to do to guide our children into adulthood in the most loving, attentive ways possible. Remember how you treat your young ones can influence and impact the next generation(s) so do better!
