1. Description of an Elder
A Mi’kmaq Studies 10 Culture Unit Presentation

2. Characteristics, Roles and Responsibilities of an Elder

3. An Elder is a person who is respected, knowledgeable, and serves as an advisor, but is not seen as judgemental.

4. experience, to become wise and knowledgeable. The Elders
Having survived many winters, the Elders learned, through observation and
experience, to become wise and
knowledgeable. The Elders
knew the movements of the
sun, moon, stars, eclipses, and
comets. They could forecast the weather based on cloud formations, winds, colours of the sky, the bend of the leaves, and the behaviour of the birds.

5. Not all Elders are seniors, nor are all old people Elders
Not all Elders are seniors, nor are all old people Elders. Some Elders may, in fact, be quite young.
Elders are honoured because they have gifts of insight and understanding, and they are willing to share the knowledge that they possess.
An Elder does not have to be of certain age, but is usually an older adult.

6. An Elder is someone the Mi’kmaq society can learn from, but also a person with wisdom, and who is willing to share.
It is believed that Elders are life teachers and the Mi’kmaq people believe they should be cared for.

7. The Elders observed the behaviour of children
and animals, the movement of fish, the growth patterns of plants and the migration of birds to determine the right time to gather food and medicine.
It was through these types of observations, that they gained great knowledge and insights. As a result, common things, such as knowing when to prepare appropriate clothing and shelter, and to make tools and traps for travel, was utilized to full advantage.

8. An Elder serves as a role model in the home and in the community.
An Elder is an individual who presents challenges to the community in a positive way.
An Elder serves as a role model in the home and in the community.
An Elder is someone a Mi’kmaq person would admire and would like to be like as they mature.

9. An Elder is a good listener and knows the
traditions and lifestyle of their culture.
An Elder has the wisdom and the generosity toward others and helps to develop
insightful and considerate relationships
with anyone who is willing
to listen and to learn.

10. Elders are respected for their wisdom and life experience and they play a critical role in Aboriginal communities nationwide, serving as advisors for new generations.
An Elder points the young toward their culture and spiritual growth that help them to become aware of themselves.

11. An Elder is a good leader and can serve as a counsellor
An Elder is a good leader and can serve as a counsellor. They have the intuitiveness to understand and to accept.
The positive and supportive recognition and support for Elders is fundamentally key to a healthy community.

12. An Elder should be a good storyteller.
Elders’ stories often include teachings. The values embedded in the stories, and not necessarily the stories themselves, help to educate aboriginal children and youths.
The Elder symbolizes an Aboriginal society’s total culture, the oral tradition and are keepers of the integrity of our community.

13. An Elder is kind-hearted, understanding, and has a good sense of humour.
Elders transmit their knowledge through their actions and through oral tradition – stories, humour, ceremonies,
teachings and
other activities.

14. In many Aboriginal communities, it was the grandparents/elders who raised the children.
The parents were busy with daily chores of survival; it was the oldest in society who taught children camp skills, such as gathering wood and getting water.

15. The grandparents/elders brought their own set of skills to raising the young.
This ranged from sharing a traditional legend, to leading nature walk, or simply through imparting their wisdom.
Elders often repeat their stories and advice so that the young will have ample time
to learn from them.

16. Several times a year the Mi’kmaq and
Maliseet gathered at strategic locations throughout the Maritime region. These gatherings served to rekindle family relationships and were an occasion for Elders to share their wisdom and knowledge.

17. The Elders advised the Mi’kmaq
and Maliseet leaders.
The leaders and Elders relied on the young people for their vision, physical strength and spiritual giftedness.

18. The women brought new life to the group, and, as mothers, taught the children to care, share, and rely on each other for survival.
The Elders always recognized and respected the roles, responsibilities, talents and skills of all members of society, whether they are male, female, child, senior, or fellow Elder.

19. The introduction of the residential school
system in Canada, eliminated or severely reduced
the role of Elders in the education of Mi’kmaq
children, starting in the 1930’s, when
the Schubenacadie Residential School opened.

20. Elders are seen as the custodians of Aboriginal people.
Elders bridge the ancient traditions and beliefs with the influences of today.
Elders can try and ensure that Aboriginal traditions continue in a revitalized and renewed form.

21. Curriculum Exercise # 5: Brainstorm on Elders
Introduction: Elders fulfill many roles. They are teachers, historians, healers, judges, philosophers and counselors. Elders are the primary source of all the knowledge that has been accumulated by their communities for generations; they are the keepers of spiritual ceremonies and traditional laws that have sustained Aboriginals through hundreds of years.

22. Part A Task: Take the next few minutes, using the brainstorm web provided, and identify six qualities, abilities or characteristics an elder must possess to be effective.

23. qualities, abilities or characteristics an elder must possess.
Idetify six
qualities, abilities or characteristics an elder must possess.

24. Part B Task: Using the brainstorm results, now take the time and list each of the qualities, abilities or characteristics you considered as previously important or significant, and then explain the following in several short sentences: They must possess this quality or characteristic for this reason…

25. An example… (1.) List the quality and characteristic: Language Skill
They must possess this quality, ability or characteristic for this reason…For a culture to be able to survive, it is important that the people in that society be able to speak and communicate in their own language. Books and other ways of representing, can only sustain a culture for so long. Unless “language” exists, that society’s culture will be forever harmed, as there will be some aspect of their culture that is incomplete, as fewer people can communicate in the language ancestors once used.

26. What do Elders do today?

27. Elders connect people to the events, customs and ceremonies of the past. Therefore they must have a strong knowledge of traditional Aboriginal ways.

28. Typically, people must ask the Elder for his or her insights.
Elders act as counsellors but they do not impose their knowledge and wisdom.
Typically, people must ask the Elder
for his or her insights.
Elders listen patiently and non-judgmentally.
They combine spiritual views, which may be focused around traditional or Christian beliefs, with their experience of life to provide suggestions or make observations.

29. Elders perform their roles both on reserves and in urban settings.
Most Aboriginal communities try to involve Elders in decision-making.
The Assembly of First Nations, for example, has a Council of Elders that offers guidance to the National Chief and the First Nations-in-Assembly.

30. Recently, Elders have also become important mediators (people who intervene in disputes to help arrive at solutions) in criminal proceedings involving Aboriginal people.
The Elders offer guidance about sentencing and suggestions about how to reintegrate offenders back into their communities.

31. The sweat lodge ceremony is meant to purify the mind
Elders also go into prisons to counsel Aboriginal offenders and help them reconnect to their heritage by performing rituals such as the sweat lodge.
The sweat lodge ceremony is meant to purify the mind
and body, by reconnecting people with themselves, the world, each other, and all creation.

32. The Role of Elders in Urban Centres

33. Aboriginal people face many challenges when they move from their reserves or traditional homelands to Canadian towns and cities.
In particular, they face the challenge of keeping their Aboriginal language, culture, and traditions. To help, many Aboriginal social organizations in cities employ Elders.

34. What qualities/characteristics make for a good Elder in urban centres?
What duties do Elders perform in urban centres?
What qualities/characteristics make for a good Elder in urban centres?
ü       Counsel individuals and groups
ü       Teach about Aboriginal ways
ü       Perform ceremonies
ü       Provide knowledge of Aboriginal healing
ü       Advise organizations
ü       Help with conflict resolution
ü       Act as a role model
ü       Provide a spiritual presence
 Live an Aboriginal lifestyle
ü       Commit to helping the Aboriginal community (possibly without pay)
ü       Have experiences of life
ü       Have a thorough knowledge of traditions and ceremonies
ü       Commit to improving the quality of life in the Aboriginal community
ü       Be a good communicator, preferably with Aboriginal language skills’
ü       Have a proven ability to work with people, especially young people
ü       Understand the challenges Aboriginal people face in an urban setting
ü       Be patient and non-judgmental

35. Curriculum Exercise # 6: The Role of Elders Today and in Urban Centres

36. In several short sentences describe the roles of elders today
In several short sentences describe the roles of elders today. Then explain how their responsibilities have changed.
In complete sentences, describe the role of elder in an urban setting. Use specific examples.

37. The
End