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Elders who follow the life ways of First Nations generally expect tobacco to be offered for information or any other request that requires spiritual guidance. Therefore protocol in gatherings is very important considering the diversity of belief systems in First Nations. One way of addressing this issue is to allow Elders to take tobacco from an offered bowl or a pouch of tobacco. In this way the person accepts or declines the tobacco and everyone is comfortable. Gifts are appropriate for those who do not accept tobacco. Gift and/or honoraria are used to indicate how much the service is valued. Some Elders like a cup of tea and a lunch as a sign of respect and thankfulness when individually they are asked to come to the school.
Each First Nation has its own protocol. In some First Nations, the Elders offer their teaching as a grandmother or grandfather teaching their grandchildren therefore tobacco, gifts and honoraria are not required but respect is shown in other ways. |
| For example, the organizations may have a dinner in the Elders honor during the year or give them gifts at Christmas or honor them in other ways.
Paying an Elder an honorarium is common place since Elders also need to live & eat. Elders carry a great deal of knowledge that is of equal value to a university education and this must be respected at all times. In discussing “self-government” with elders, they referred to a concept that is common to all First Nations languages and cultures. This concept defines the basis for “self-government” as we seek it through the Framework Agreement Initiative. “Tiipayniimisoowin is owning yourself & your destiny. It is a right given to all people by the Creator. It is what makes us human.” Joseph I. Keeper
“In our Anishinabe language, we understand the concept of Tipentisowin, which means that the Creator gave us laws that we should live by. The Creator gave us everything we need to live. This is how we should understand the Treaties.” Elder Mervin Huntinghawk
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Aneen
We have experienced frustration. We have witnessed injustice to our people. We have seen our authority run over by federal bureaucrats who seem to think that they know what is best for us – under their systems. As First Nations, we always fall short of our dreams and aspirations because the government has the means to stop us from going ahead with what we feel is right for us and what is right for our communities. What we have to look at very seriously is that we should have complete authority over matters that affect our day to day life. Unity is the key and the answer toward finding solutions and making a difference. Let us put aside differences and work together as a nation, united by the values and the teachings of those who came before us and keeping in mind the generations yet to come. |
The Creator gave us strength and put us here on the earth to work for the good of our people. This strength enables us to face the future together and whatever challenges life has to offer. The work we do together reflects on the rights of our people and shows the respect we have for our ancestors and the love we feel for our children.
Meegwetch! O, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, and whose breath gives life to all the world; hear me, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. Give me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know which is which. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made, and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise, so that I may understand the lessons you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden under every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Let me not judge my brother until I have walked a day in his moccasins. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So, when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. Meegwetch |
| 1. AMC's Art Gallery
 Here is a gallery of current AMC artwork at the Office. Simply click on the painting to see the AMC First Nations Art Gallery online. 2. AMC's Classic Photograph Gallery
 Here is a gallery of current AMC photographs at the Office. Simply click on the photograph to see the AMC First Nations Photograph Gallery online. |
| 1. Manitoba Museum of Man & Nature The museum in downtown Winnipeg currently has one of the best collections of First Nations historical articfacts in the world. 2. Winnipeg Art Gallery The WAG currently boasts over 12,000 pieces of Inuit & First Nations art, the worlds largest collection. This 2002 summer, during the North American Indigenous Games, they will host several First Nations & Inuit Art shows.
Artwork courtesy of the Winnipeg Art Gallery . For More Information, contact; Heather Mousseau
Communications Co-ordinator The Winnipeg Art Gallery 300 Memorial Boulevard Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1V1 Phone (204) 786-6641, ext. 211 Fax (204) 788-4998 E-mail: heather@wag.mb.ca 3. Manitoba Heritage Network The Manitoba Heritage Network has been established as a project of the Manitoba Archaeological Society to provide Internet based information and services related to Manitoba's rich cultural heritage. |
