Projects
American Indian Community Data Profile, 2002
Namadji Youth and Elders Project Report, 2001
Forum Reports
1997 Fall: Tribal Sovereignty and
American Indian Leadership
1996 Fall: Tribal Governments: What will they look like in the year 2010?
1996 Spring: The Threatened State of Tribal Sovereignty
Namadji: Youth and Elders Project Report
The Need for Intergenerational Exchange
Some would argue that it is inherently important for Indian elders and youth to be involved in each other's lives. But what exactly is lost if this interaction is lacking? What short and long term consequences are there for American Indian youth growing up without elder mentors? What is required to bring youth and elders together? Moreover, does a lack of intergenerational connection spell for new, evolving definitions of American Indians?
The weak link of interaction among youth and elders takes away opportunity for learning and for developing trust. In the old Indian ways, trust was developed out of respect shown for one another. In those days, if a young person failed to approach an elder in a respectful manner, the elder did not feel compelled to share information. While the interviewees in this project definitely stated that they believed in a great need for more interactions among youth and elders, other more immediate needs usually preceded the discussion about the needs, potential benefits and outcomes for youth, elders, and culture to draw closer.
The strength of Indian culture continues to draw Indian children and families together. Despite social intrusions, young people have a capacity and desire to build upon the strengths provided by Indian traditions. Elders understand that many of those returning to reclaim their identity do not full comprehend Indian traditions. One elder said,
"Children and young people today want so desperately to learn, but they don't know the ways. In their desperation, they are making their own pipes. People are going to sweats all the time. Years ago, they didn't have sweats like this, the Midewiwin set the sweats."
Most Indians elders agree, even as change is occurring, there is a permanency and longevity of Indian culture. It will never die. By tapping into this strength, families will not only be preserved, but they will flourish.
Older Indians seem to think that younger Indians ought to approach them in a respectful manner in order to learn from them. Less use of native language is noticeable to older Indians. One elder said, "It seems as though urban Indians are getting away from the [native] language. They're turning more toward the white man ways."
Next: Challenges Going Forward
top | Projects
| Research | Publications
| Links | About Us
| Contact Us | Home
© Copyright 2002, American Indian Policy Center. All Rights
Reserved.
1463 Hewitt Avenue • St. Paul, MN 55104 • tel: 651-644-1728
aipc@cpinternet.com
Last updated:
Tuesday November 1, 2005