Honoring Elders: Protecting Our Future Through Our Past

🪶 Honoring Elders: Protecting Our Future Through Our Past

Elders carry the stories of our people, the wisdom of generations, and the spirit of resilience. In October, as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Oct 13) and National Aging in Place Week, the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe lifts up the voices of our elders: Pepper Harding, Phyllis Nixon, Ron Harding, and Hazel Currence, along with the storytelling legacy of Maurice “Buster” Harding.

📊 The Crisis in Numbers

• The AI/AN elder population is growing faster than any other age group (U.S. Census Bureau)[^1].
• Indigenous elders face higher rates of chronic illness and disability than the U.S. average (NICOA)[^2].
• Elders are more likely to live in poverty and have limited access to long-term care services[^3].
  

🌿 The Impact on Indigenous Communities

For the Wampanoag, elders are the roots of our circle. They carry songs, language, and ceremony. When their health is threatened, or their voices go unheard, entire generations lose knowledge that cannot be replaced. Honoring elders is not only about respect—it is about survival.

⚠️ Recognizing Signs of Elder Health Decline

• Memory loss, confusion, or dementia symptoms
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Difficulty with daily activities (walking, cooking, finances)
• Signs of depression or anxiety
• Frequent illness or hospitalization
  

🌎 Pathways to Prevention & Care

• Connection: Regular visits, storytelling circles, and intergenerational gatherings.
• Activity: Gardening, drumming, and walking keep elders strong.
• Medical Care: Screenings for diabetes, dementia, and heart health.
• Mental Health: Breaking stigma and supporting counseling when needed.
  

💜 What You Can Do

• For yourself as an elder: Share your stories, stay active, and engage with community.
• For families: Support elders in accessing healthcare, listen with patience, and share cultural practices.
• For community: Build elder-led programs that honor their wisdom and pass it on to youth.
  

📌 Resources for Elder Support

1. National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) – nicoa.org
2. Eldercare Locator (Administration on Aging) – 1-800-677-1116 | eldercare.acl.gov
3. SAMHSA Native Connections (Mental Health Support) – samhsa.gov/native-connections
4. National Resource Center on Native American Aging (NRCNAA) – nrcnaa.org
5. Crisis Text Line (24/7) – Text “NATIVE” to 741741 | crisistextline.org/native
   

🌅 Closing

Elders are our past, present, and future. By protecting them, we protect the stories, traditions, and values that keep our people strong.

Together, we heal.