Tansi;
I use the words "Respect" and "Elder" quite a bit and they have very important meanings to me.
Respect is the way in which I would like to be treated, with those around me understanding that I may not always agree with them, but have the right to my own opinions, as do they. Respect is also the manner in which I would like people to treat the lands, resources and others around them, taking great care not to cause damage and Honouring the resources taken from our surroundings. I was taught that for anything to live, something else must offer it's life, and this sacrifice should be Honoured. In the ways that I was taught, Respect is automatically given, but when Respect is abused it is very difficult to earn it again.
Elders, to me are those who have lived long enough to have Wisdom to share. Age is not the only consideration, but also their ability to guide and teach. In our Culture, Elders are not set aside, but are often sought out, in order to actively work toward the betterment of the people.
While I do not use the term "Medicine Man" (or Woman), I do speak of those in the Medicine Circle, who have retained the Traditional Knowledge of our people and can choose to use this to help with the health and healing of our communities and people. Those who have been Gifted with the ways of Medicine have many choices to make, in their use of their knowledge and Gifts. The concepts of "Good" of "Bad" Medicine have more to do with the choice of the one who makes the Medicine, than the items used in making Medicine.
Ric
