AARP Montana Announces the latest "Honor Your Elders" Scholarship Award Winners

One of my most sacred values as a Pikuni person is to treat my elders with respect and hold them in high esteem. Without our elders, our cultural traditions would not be here today. I have learned how very true this statement is over the past few years.

Our elders have endured a lot of traumas in their lives, from smallpox to boarding schools. They didn't exactly get the opportunities that a lot of us are given today, one thing I never want to do is take it for granted.

Learning songs, prayers, and most importantly the language is a great way to honor our elders. They long for the young people to learn our cultural beliefs and practices.

At a very young age, I was taught the value of respecting and Honoring our elders: as they hold the stories of our tribe and kinship, and it is up to Us to take the time to listen to them so that we can pass them on to our children.

I know that my girls will inspire their friends and family to do right by our elders, like I and so many others have.

I also feel like I am honoring my elders by sharing their stories, by honoring their lives. I have followed in my grandparents lives by using their equipment they have handed down to me, and by keeping their memories alive.

Traditions play a big role in my community and most of our elders know our history and the traditions we follow. When an elder is talking it is good to listen especially if they are telling traditions.