Q: How do I connect with Elders?
When you’re trying to find the words to even talk to an Elder, when you get to that point, I think it’s important to remember that our knowledge, our practices, and our culture are so rich and are so beautiful and carry so much strength and power, that you have to remind yourself that when receiving the gifts of words from your Elders that you remember to always think of how you can give it back.
Anytime that I’ve learned from an Auntie or an Elder, I’ve always made sure to find a way to give back.
A really beautiful traditional way for young people to give back is by gifting tobacco to Elders as a trade, for gifting you their time, answering your questions and sharing their knowledge.
Sometimes, I feel like people can easily take that the wrong way, if they don’t understand our culture and our people because as a part of our teachings, we don’t take more than what we need and we don’t give more than what we have. I think it’s very beautiful to find a balance in seeing the beauty of receiving and giving and making sure that you’re not taking too much or giving too little. Finding a balance in yourself and in your Spirit and knowing that this is what I can give and that’s enough.
For example, this is how me and my mom operate when we give traditional markings and we don’t charge them money. Everything that our ancestors have done throughout history has been in forms of trade; giving and receiving. This is how we Take Care of Each Other.
So, when you do decide to talk to an Elder make sure you are prepared to take care of them in some way that acknowledges your appreciation for their gift of sharing their knowledge. That’s so beautiful because then that’s how you’re really building a relationship with them and it will continue to carry forward.
Take care,
Sister Q
Quannah ChasingHorse
