Nations Circle - Elders

Introduction

First Nations Elders play a critical role in the inter-generational transmission of First Nations wisdom, values, traditions, languages and cultures in First Nations communities. According to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Elders are the contemporary link to traditional knowledge and culture and are the foundations upon which First Nations communities are built.

Through their teachings, First Nations Elders play a vital role in the protection and promotion of mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health of First Nations peoples and communities, and are instrumental in the retention and transmission of First Nations traditional knowledge, including traditional healing practices and medicines, which have been used by First Nations peoples for centuries. The holistic teachings and traditional knowledge of Elders, including traditional healing practices and medicines, form part of a continuum of care in the promotion of healthy First Nations lives.

The FNC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of First Nations peoples and communities, including First Nations Elders, through knowledge-based activities. It is also devoted to the protection and recognition of traditional knowledge and to affirming First Nations traditional healing practices and ensuring that such practices receive recognition.

2002 Aboriginal Elders Conference - Spiritual Unity

The FNC participated in the 26th Annual Elders Conference that was held in Victoria, British Columbia, July 9 to 11, 2002. The theme of the 2002 Elders Conference was Spiritual Unity, with a focus on the crucial role that traditional spirituality plays in the holistic well-being of Aboriginal persons, families and their communities. The objectives of the Conference were to create a forum to:

• Identify and honour the teachings and the vibrant traditions of Aboriginal Elders;
• Promote healthy, active culturally strong lifestyles for all Aboriginal peoples.
• Gather information, research and document traditional medicines used by Aboriginal Elders.
• Allow Elders (including families and youth) to take advantage of information sharing and access to relevant information on health issues such as mental health, isolation, family violence, addictions, safety issues, physical accessibility and disability.
• Engage in healthy, open dialogue and identify barriers to the holistic well-being of Aboriginal communities.

Highlights of Elders' Survey on Health Issues

During the 2002 Elders Conference, the FNC asked the participating Elders to complete a voluntary survey on Elders health issues. A total of 52 First Nations Elders residing in British Columbia, 40 years of age and over, responded to the survey. Elders were asked a series of questions on their views regarding certain health-related matters, including the main health issues/problems facing Elders and issues of most concern to them, as well as ideas to improve the health and well-being of Elders. While the results of the poll do not represent the views and perspectives on health and health care of all First Nations Elders in Canada, they do provide a snapshot of some of the health issues and concerns of the survey participants.

Participants in the survey identified diabetes, heart disease and arthritis as the three main health issues currently facing Elders. Cancer, poverty/money issues, alcohol and drug abuse, housing, and loneliness, neglect and physical abuse were also problems that were identified by Elders. When asked to weigh issues of 'most' and 'least' concern to Elders, participants rated diabetes, elder abuse, smoking, the lack of activities for Elders and alcohol abuse as the five top issues of 'most' concern to Elders. Issues such as obesity, food security and nutrition were rated as being of 'least' concern.

Elders also identified a number of strategies to address the health issues/problems that they face, including, but not limited to, the following:

• establishing legal rights and supports to prevent and address Elder abuse;
• addressing housing problems and providing better housing for Elders;
• more information on health issues;
• addressing health funding cutbacks;
• more community knowledge of and involvement in Elder issues;
• more family involvement and support;
• more training of First Nations in the health professions;
• more programs, activities and centres for Elders;
• increased access to home care for Elders;
• more funding for transportation; and
• teaching First Nations youth the traditional ways, including respect for Elders.

If your community has successfully undertaken projects/strategies to address the needs of your elders, please go to the Success Stories section and submit your story!

The FNC will strive to undertake, facilitate and support knowledge-based initiatives and activities that improve and promote the health and well-being of First Nations Elders. Through the First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey(RHS), the FNC is working with Regional Coordinators to finalize the collection of data and information on First Nations health issues, which will include information on the state of health of the older adult First Nations population. The results of the RHS will provide greater awareness of the health of First Nations peoples and communities, including Elders, as well as information on the use of traditional care in First Nations communities. This will inform and assist First Nations communities and Elders in the development of strategies, programs, initiatives and activities to address First Nations health issues.