North American Indigenous elder

Lore & Background

Elders are not simply older people; they are individuals who have accumulated great wisdom and knowledge, especially in the traditions and customs of their group. In learning contexts, elders emphasize listening and discourage asking 'why' as a sign of respect, though it is a misconception that there is no word for 'why' in the Cree language—in fact, Cree has words such as 'tân'spî' or 'tânisi'. A learner must sit quietly and patiently while the elder passes on wisdom, and clarification of a point is acceptable, but questions are considered rude.

Reader's Guide

The significance of North American Indigenous elders lies in their role as the ultimately qualified reservoirs of aboriginal skills, activated in contextual situations to meet specific needs. Their knowledge is specialized and requires proper context and preparation, especially in classroom settings. Simply placing an elder in a classroom with young children often fails because children may be impatient or not understand. Eye contact between an elder teacher and a child is necessary for informal teaching, as observed among the Menominee, and Lakota parents similarly insist on eye contact when addressing children. Politically, elders may be accorded a weak position, sometimes treated as tokens at conferences or unpaid in classrooms. The role has been misused through ignorance, with a failure to see that not all elders are spiritual leaders and not all old people are elders.

Did You Know?

• Elders are regarded as living libraries of cultural and philosophical knowledge.
• Contrary to a common myth, Cree does have words for 'why', such as 'tân'spî' or 'tânisi'; learners are expected to listen patiently without asking questions as a sign of respect.
• Elders may be treated as tokens at conferences, brought out only to lead ceremonies at the beginning and end.
• Among the Menominee, direct eye contact between an elder teacher and a child is often considered disrespectful, not necessary for informal teaching.