Answers to questions Native North Americans are asking
Milly Jackson
Huron Claus
Question:
In most indigenous cultures, respect and care for our elders is deeply rooted. What is our responsibility in caring for our elders, according to God's Word?
Answer:
In our family growing up, Mom and Dad never actually said much about respecting elders, but their lives and the way they treated older people modeled it. When Dad would go hunting and kill a moose, he would make sure that he would share with the elders, and this would make them very happy and appreciative! Mom always went out of her way to give a little extra for the elders in our community.
When Mom and Dad transitioned into becoming the elders of the community, we looked back and drew on what had been instilled in us. We looked after them! For the last 10 to 15 years, one of our sisters was always living with them. We all pitched in and helped out in looking after Mom and Dad and caring for them in their sunset years.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:2 (NIV), "Honour your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise: so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth."
There is a blessing principle here. It's not an unconditional promise, but it's a biblical principle that when we honour our elders, we are in line for God blessing us with extra years in our time here on earth.
Milly Jackson
Milly Jackson and her husband, Kene, live in southern Alberta, but spend much time traveling in music evangelism ministry. She grew up in the Métis community of Cormorant, Manitoba, and through marriage is a member of Whitefish Band #128 (Alberta).
Answer:
"Show respect to the elderly, and honor older people. In this way, you show respect for your Elohim. I am Yahweh." Leviticus 19:32 (Names of God Bible).
"Show respect to the person with white hair. Honor an older person and you will honor your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19: 32 (New Life Version)
I love David's words in Psalms 119: 1, where he says, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!" He understood the value of hearing God's voice through God's Word. Read the next five verses, and you will see the valuable truth he learned in walking in God's way. It kept David from experiencing shame or stumbling in life.
When we look at the question asked today, we will see the character of our Creator God written on the hearts of all of us as His creation. It is true that in many cultures and indigenous groups, there is the treasured value of showing honor and respect to those older than us, those who have walked further in life's journey, those who have played the role of leadership and influence in our lives and in the lives of people within our community.
Looking specifically at Leviticus 19:32, we are instructed to show honor and respect to our elders. In some of the Bible versions we are told to "Stand up in the presence of the aged."
I recently was at a celebration of life for a dear friend/chief/president of the Washoe/Paiute/Shoshone. I acknowledged our precious friendship and the influence he had on my life. I sang a Native hymn in remembrance, and at that point many began to stand in memory of him. I was moved and touched deeply. Respect and honor was demonstrated that day.
In Scripture, we are given many examples of showing respect and honor to elders in areas of our life: Father and mother (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Ephesians 6:2–3, Proverbs 4: 1–4, Proverbs 23.22); older in age (Proverbs 16:31, 1 Timothy 5:1–2, 1 Peter 5:5); Elder leaders in community and church (Romans 13:1–7, 1 Peter 2:13–18, 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).
How can we show respect and honor to the elders around us? I would suggest show a visual demonstration of respect and honor by acknowledging their presence (stand), begin a conversation with them, listen to their stories of life, and pray, committing them to the care of our God and Savior. God may speak to you about how you can tangibly care, encourage, and demonstrate God's love to them.
One final point in this verse-when we demonstrate respect and honor to our elders in life, we are showing that same honor and respect to the One who created us. In other words, we are reflecting the character and image of God. If you look at Genesis 1:26, that is the very purpose of creating us. As a result, the Creator is greatly pleased. We are fulfilling our purpose and walk with Him.
How is your walk today? Is there an elder in your life whom you need to honor and respect?
Walk without shame and stumbling,
Huron Claus
Huron Claus is a fifth-generation follower of Jesus Christ. He comes from the Mohawk/ Kiowa tribes of New York and Oklahoma. The Claus Indian family has ministered through evangelism and music in Native communities and villages across North, Central, and South America. Huron also serves as the president of CHIEF, Inc.
Answer:
June 2025 marked the start of a season none of us expected to be so devastating, traumatic, and displacing on so many levels. Premier Wab Kinew himself said the northern Manitoba wildfires were the worst in history. History? That's a long time.
Close to 20,000 people were forced from their homes and communities. Wildfires are not new to us, but the magnitude of what happened this summer will forever be remembered by our elders to our children.
Because of the sheer number of evacuees, everything had to happen quickly-accommodations, meals, transportation, medical care. Everything we normally take for granted became the immediate responsibility of the Canadian Red Cross.
I work in the health field, and our organization immediately stepped in to support our communities. What we didn't expect was the timeline; from early June to the end of August, it was all hands on deck.
But something else happened during this time, something profound. I heard one member say: "I know who these people are, but I didn't know who these people are."
She meant that while life in community is close, people often stay within their families and close friends. They see one another, but they don't always truly know one another. The wildfires brought our communities together in a way we hadn't experienced before. Something that began as devastation transformed into resilience and unity.
As God's word says in Romans 8:28, all things happen for the good of God and his people. Did God cause these fires? I don't believe He caused them. But perhaps they were a warning, a teaching, a way to fulfill His purpose.
When we bring these questions to our elders, we are reminded that they have lived long lives filled with experiences, some even having endured other historic disasters. Our elders are messengers. When they speak, it is not just words, it is with wisdom, it's with heart, with spirit and with a lot of truth.
That is why the Bible teaches us to honor them. "Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:32).
Indigenous teachings also remind us to hold our elders with deep honor and respect. And during these wildfires, I witnessed this truth in action.
• Traditional food was prepared and delivered to our elders.
• Accommodations were arranged for their comfort.
• Workers, leadership and community members ensured elders were never forgotten.
• Elders were given the best seats at gatherings and received gifts (which we all know elders love).
• Elders were surrounded by family, community, and most beautifully by the children.
When you witness the interaction between an elder and a child, you see the purest form of love between two generations. One day, that child will grow into an elder and share his or her own life journey. The circle continues.
Let us never forget: Honoring our elders is not just a cultural value or a biblical teaching. It is an act of love, of reverence, and of carrying forward the strength of our people.
Laurie Wood Ducharme is a member of St. Theresa Point Anishininew First Nation (Oji-Cree), living in Winnipeg. She is involved with Ashawaabic Ministries, and serves on the boards of First Nations Community Church, Inner-City Youth Alive, and Intertribal Life Ministries.
