06/02/2026
🌿🌿Wisdom and Roots: Honoring our Elders🌿🌿
I feel like there’s a lack of respect, lack of knowledge, lack of family gatherings and togetherness. No-one gathers except when they have to for holidays.
I grew up in a big family and family gatherings were always important. We were always together, we would alway gather, soup on Sundays, cornbread and steak, we would be together as a family. We were always at my mothers but once she passed away all that died too. I tried, I did my best but its not the same.
There’s a major difference in families today
If you’re sitting at the table, at a dinner, put away your phone. If you look around now there’s no conversations, everyone is on their phones.
Conversation is important. I have a lot of nieces and nephews and I spend a lot of time with them. When Winston was here he would spend time talking to the children, it didn’t matter who it was, he would talk about the history of Kahnawake, what it looked like before the seaway came, what the waterways looked like, what the hospital looked like, all the stuff that’s gone. I'm constantly telling the little ones what it was like when I was growing up.
I love teaching my niece to cook. She helps with everything. Shes learning from me, to hang the clothes out, to garden, to cook.
We (Elders) are very fortunate in this community; we have the golden age club, the elders lodge, the day program. We have bingo, country jamboree, beadwork, making ribbon skirts, and other activities.
Sharing our stories is very important. Sharing our recipes. Sharing our wishes.
This year has been rough for me, but I keep my self extremely busy. You gotta keep moving, keep doing things.
This year I’m planning on planting again, with my niece. It’s important to teach them these things, to teach them the value of an elder, the value of an elder that carries the language or the culture, of the medicines. How to respect an elder.
Young people are showing respect. At the post I have had a young man carry my parcel, another time in the winter another young man held my arm and helped me to my car. At the market, I’ll be carry a bag that’s very heavy and someone will help me. But you have to teach these things because other times you will see it, where they just walk out, not even look at you.
When I was brought up you took your hat off at the table, now u don’t see that, everyone keeps their hat on. It’s insulting to see that, it’s a show of respect to take off your hat.
Help elders, be part of their lives, assist them, visit them. Offer them help, offer yourself. Your services..do you need a ride? Do you need groceries? Make friends with them, you see someone who lives alone, visit them.
Peggy Mayo Standup
🌿To Participate in this campaign please message me 🌿
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day we invite you to a day dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating for the elders in our lives.
We encourage you to bring a parent, grandparent, older family member or and elder you care for and join us for connection and conversation.
June 15, 2026 at the Golden Age club
8:30 - 11:30 - Free catered breakfast for Elders and families
12:30 - 2:30 - Workshop on the signs of elder abuse with Nathan Thompson, Akwesasne Police
Please give Peggy some love today🤍
