Food for the Future
Jane Neyelle’s Story, Deline Elder

The words of the elders and the words of God are the same. We can’t neglect the wisdom of the elders, of our history. Our history has to be passed on.

Seno (my mother) died when we were very young. So setá (my father) had to raise us alone – my older sister, and myself, and my younger brother.

Setá used to talk to seyake (my children), saying, my grandchildren, live good lives, respect neno and netá (your mother and father). This firewater is no good. Even to touch it is no good. You could commit murder with it, and you wouldn’t even realise it. I have never stood in front of a judge for any wrongdoing, and I am an old man now.

“Yes, fire-water is no good. It makes you beat up people, and steal, and lie. If you are tempted to touch it, think of the creator, think of the common good.”

So, grandchildren, remember this. In the future, remember that nake ehsie (your grandfather) spoke to you.

Yes, now in my old age, I realise that what the old people say is nothing but the truth. God’s words and the words of the elders are the same. Because people are not paying attention to the elders, they are fading away.

Now our elders are dying off. Not too long ago, I used to make bannock, and they used to pass it out to the elders with a truck. Sometimes I ran short of bannock for the elders.

Now, there are hardly any elders left.

I still make drymeat for the less fortunate people.