Elders are integral to everything we are. They are our teachers, advisors, mediators and friends.
On July 2, 2015 MFNERC’s Language and Culture department held a ceremony at Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation to honour five Manitoba Elders. These Elders have been instrumental in helping develop language and culture programs in First Nation-run schools, and to show our appreciation, at the ceremony they were presented with songs, words and gifts.
Dave Courchane Jr. spoke and sang an honour song and the Elders were presented with tobacco, blankets and certificates of appreciation for all the work they have done with MFNERC and our schools. They had a chance to speak to the group and later participated in a feast.
Connecting youth with Elders has been identified as key to preserving culture and language, as well as strengthening general health and well-being and building a stronger sense of community. MFNERC would like to thank all the Elders who work with students in First Nations schools. Your help and guidance are invaluable.
