Food for the Future
Jane Neyelle’s Story, Déline Elder
 The words of the elders and the words of God are the same.
We can’t neglect the wisdom of the elders, of our history. Our
history has to be passed on.
Seno (my mother) died when we were very young. So setá (my father)
had to raise us alone – my older sister, and myself, and my younger
brother.
Setá used to talk to seyake (my children), saying, "my grandchildren,
live good lives, respect neno and netá (your mother and father).
This firewater is no good. Even to touch it is no good. You could commit
murder with it, and you wouldn’t even realise it. I have never
stood in front of a judge for any wrongdoing, and I am an old man now".
“
Yes, fire-water is no good. It makes you beat up people,
and steal, and lie. If you are tempted to touch it, think of the creator,
think of the common good.”
So, grandchildren, remember this. In the future, remember
that nake ehsie (your grandfather) spoke to you.
Yes, now in my old age, I realise that what the old people
say is nothing but the truth. God’s words and the words of the
elders are the same. Because people are not paying attention
to the elders, they are fading away.
Now our elders are dying off. Not too long ago, I used to
make bannock, and they used to pass it out to the elders
with a truck. Sometimes I ran short of bannock for the
elders.
Now, there are hardly any elders left.
I still make drymeat for the less fortunate people.
ELDERS KEEPING OUR
TRADITIONS ALIVE | BREAKING TWIGS | FOOD
FOR THE FUTURE |
