Kehteyak

Kehteyak means "The Old Ones" in Cree.
The Aboriginal Healing Foundation describes an Elder as: ‘[S]omeone who is considered exceptionally wise in the ways of their culture and the teachings of the Great Spirit. They are recognized for their wisdom, their stability, their humour and their ability to know what is appropriate in a particular situation…
The community looks to them for guidance and sound judgment. They are caring and are known to share the fruits of their labours and experience with others in the community” (Aboriginal Healing Foundation, 2005, p. 4)
[Essential qualities in an Elder are as follows:]
1. Disciplined and committed to a lifetime of learning;
2. Knows traditional teachings and is committed to helping people within this framework;
3. Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy;
4. Born with, or seeks, the gift of healing in apprenticeship with a traditional healer;
5. Walks his or her talk, i.e., lives a healthy lifestyle within the parameters of traditional values;
6. Provides help when asked, although may not provide this immediately [sometimes will refer to another Elder with particular expertise];
7. Able to bring traditional values and life ways into contemporary urban life and living in a practical way;
8. Treats his or her family, spouse, children, parents, Elders and other traditional healers in a respectful and caring manner [all people];
9. Is a positive role model for Aboriginal people;
10. Able to teach and correct behavior with kindness and respect without humiliating the individual;
11. Always hopeful of people and able to see the goodness in people;
12. Does not use alcohol or drugs or engage in other destructive addictive behavior;
13. Does not set a fee for their healing service or request gifts in payment;
14. Knows the medicines and ceremonies [has experience and participated in ceremonies], and;
15. [Demonstrated] evidence of his or her success exists among the [Aboriginal] people and the [Aboriginal] communities (Aboriginal Healing Foundation 2005, pp. 70-71).”

Kehteyak sound like great people. They also sound like someone I would never even think of disrespecting or holding any sort of contempt for. They may believe something other than what I believe, but they are very confident and driven in what they do. Their lives have a great purpose, and the impression I get is that they are 100% committed to this purpose, which they seek with leadership and selflessness. I deeply admire that, and such is the basis for my respect of First Nation Elders.