A couple weeks ago I spent some time with a Blackfoot named Cowboy to explore Vancouver Island. Michelle Thrush, an aboriginal actor and mom as well as co-director of Making Treaty 7, was meeting with aboriginal parents who have managed to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma through healthy parenting. And thus we take a small step into our documentary production called Elder in the Making.
I cannot wait to begin the main leg of the adventure. Starting August 1st, our crew of six is taking a roadtrip across Treaty 7 territory visiting historical sites, camping at pow-wows, meeting Elders and Elders-in-making, investigating archaeological digs and conversing about our experience. You can join us online and see what we’re up to.
Elder in the Making was a phrase I came across on Cowboy’s twitter profile. I was struck by the boldness of such a declaration. Aren’t Elders something really sacred like the mystical Merlin of ages past? Then it occurred to me: shouldn’t all of us be conscious of our wisdom path? Or concerned about the stories of where we come from? Don’t we all have a responsibility to care for what we pass on to future generations? We should all be elders-in-the-making.
As such I hope all of you can be a part of this production somehow whether it’s making a suggestion or connecting me with a resource. So for more photos, updates, and other fun facts, visit us at our new website. I will also endeavour to Tweet, Facebook, and Instagram our journey as we go.