RICHFIELD, Minn. — A celebration of tradition and culture was held as hundreds gathered to enjoy the first annual Native American Elder Day.
Nearly half of this generation is responsible for raising their grandchildren.
Elders hold a respected and cherished place in the Native community. They are keepers of tradition, cultural knowledge and language.
On the first annual Native American Elder Day, they are honored and celebrated.
More than 300 elders from different nations, across Minnesota and Canada, made the trek to Richfield’s Veterans Park to celebrate.
“We’ve got elders from as far away as Grand Portage and all across Leech Lake, Grand Forks, Fond du Lac, White Earth its super important because a lot of our elders they grew up together,” said Maren Hardy.
Now, they can share stories and strategies to help the next generation. A lot of that strategy focuses on resources for elders.
The opioid epidemic is forcing many of them to raise their grandchildren.