Honoring Elders

by Michelle Witte, Executive Director, LWVMN

I recently visited Grand Portage Indian Reservation and was reminded how Native American Elders are "revered individuals who provide wisdom and leadership for their Tribes by exuding grace, wisdom, and gentleness in their daily words and actions. A Native American is usually considered an Elder when they are above the age of sixty to sixty five..." Elders within our Indigenous communities are esteemed and respected by their communities as valuable resources with unique contributions to make. Learning this was especially meaningful to me, as this week I turn 60. 

It caused me to reflect upon seniors within our wider American culture. Shouldn’t we treat them with reverence as Elders? A majority of our League members have passed that Elder age mark and continue to serve voters and fight for our democracy. I am in awe of the League leaders I meet, and the wide range of careers they've had, differences they've made in their communities, and wisdom they've gained that they're willing to share with me and other younger members. The civic engagement of all our League members is needed right now more than ever, but I want to boldly thank our League Elders for blazing trails, for contributing of yourselves in such generous ways, and for continuing to serve your communities – perhaps in the midst of health challenges or caregiving for partners, parents or grandkids – and for working through the ageism that undermines our culture.  

While in Grand Portage, I also had the privilege to be guided by a member of the Ojibwe Band to see the "Little Spirit Cedar Tree" or Manidoo-giizhikens. This 300+ year old tree appears to grow out of a rock alongside Kitchi-gummi (Lake Superior), and though small and scraggly, is a powerful symbol and is considered a sacred place for our Chippewa/Ojibwe/Anishinaabe People. One tree, one tribe, one action – let us all continue to honor our elders and work together for a more peaceful and just society. 

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