Honoring Elders/Teachers  

  The following information is a
guideline for those who are not familiar with Native traditions. The Elders and Teachers of our Traditions hold the wisdom of our Ancestors. They are to be
honored and always treated with respect.    1) You are responsible for paying transportation expenses whenever you invite an Elder/Teacher to a gathering,
teaching circle, for a healing or for any ceremony.    ·This includes airfare,
transportation to and from the airport or simply gas for theircar, though mileage is preferable   

 2) You are responsible for providing all the Elder/Teacher’s
meals.    ·Ask ahead of time, if there are any dietary restrictions, i.e.:
sugar, fat, red meats.    ·Find out which are their favorite foods.  \

 3) Always approach an Elder/Teacher with tobacco for teachings, healings, or ceremony. 
  ·Tobacco is not a gift to the elder directly; it is the means by which the
Elder/Teacher makes a connection with the Ancestors to receive instructions. It
is a respectful way to recognize Elder�?Teacher’s knowledge and spirit
connection.    ·When you ask for teachings in the traditional way, you never push.
You wait until the elder/teacher is ready to teach you. During the wait, the
elder/teacher is watching, praying, and listening. The elder/teacher may not get
back to you for months, even years. They may never respond, but they are still
watching, praying, and listening. It is said that it is traditional to ask
respectfully four times
(This means with tobacco.) The elder/teacher can then decide if you really are
truly interested and will do the work."   

 

4) Do not disrespect Elder/Teacher
by interrupting while they are talking.    ·If it is necessary for you to talk
with them, stand in their field of vision a short distance away until they
acknowledge you before you approach them.    ·If they do not know you,introduce
yourself and state what your purpose is. Then listen carefully to anything they
may share with you.  

  5) Respect their traditions and teachings even if they
are different from yours.  

  6) When transporting Elders/Teachers be sure to show
respect.    ·Be considerate, help them by opening their door, assist them
into the vehicle if they need help, and make sure they are comfortable.   

 7) When assisting them with their belongings, ask which ones you may touch.    ·Their
medicines may be in one of the bags and it is inappropriate for you to touch
their medicine without their permission.    ·Respect their silence on the way
to a destination. They may be tired from their journey or preparing themselves
for the event. Please allow them to do so without interruption. If they invite
conversation, they will let you know.   

8) When housing Elders/Teachers,
respect their need for privacy and rest.    ·Give them a room to themselves with a
good bed. Attend to any needs that they may have, especially food, beverages,
and water.    ·Introduce them to anyone they do not know.    ·Inform them of
the location of the bathroom, and where they may smoke or pray if they are
smokers or pray with a pipe.    ·If they wish to visit with you, they will make that
known to you. Please do not keep them up all night visiting. Recognize their
need for sleep. 

   9) Do not expect the Elders/Teachers to do any work other
than the ceremony or teachings that have been requested of them. If they wish to
help in any way, they will offer.   

10) When an Elder/Teacher enters a space,
offer them a seat and ask if there is anything that you can get for them.   

11)
When receiving teachings or healing from an Elder/ Teacher, it is customary to
recognize the value of what you have received by gifting them accordingly. 
  ·In time, as your understanding of the teachings deepens, it is appropriate to
gift them again. In the past when we all lived in villages or closer together,
all the Elders/ Teachers needs were taken care of. You need to recognize the
gift they bring to you and help them so they may continue to share with
everyone.  

  12) If you have the opportunity to visit an Elder/Teacher in their home
all of the same considerations listed above will apply. Additionally, you might
consider the following as other ways to support them.    ·Working in his/her
garden    ·Running errands    ·Cutting & stacking wood    ·Stocking
refrigerator and shelves with food    ·Care for pets  

  13) Working with and for an
Elder/Teacher is a lesson in humility and respect for each one of us fortunate
enough to have that opportunity.        ·If an Elder/Teacher is awake, I cannot
sleep.    ·If an Elder/Teacher is hungry, I cannot eat.    ·If an Elder/Teacher
is cold, I cannot be warm.