Traditional parenting visits from Cree elders connect urban First Nations families with culture – CBC

Elders Harry and Elsie Watchmaker pass on traditional teachings and tips to disconnected parents

Nov 28, 2018

With 49 years of marriage and nine children between them, Cree elders Harry and Elsie Watchmaker have seen and done it all when it comes to family life.

The couple’s latest journey is the regular drive to Calgary’s Native Network-Parent Link Centre from the Kehewin Cree Nation, located northeast of Edmonton, where they pass on their years of wisdom, tradition and experience to help struggling First Nations and Metis parents in Calgary.

Many parents living life in the city, away from reserves, can struggle to balance the challenges of parenthood with a long list of problems including poverty, addictions and a lack of cultural identity and family connections. For some, moving to the city also involves a big culture shock that can be difficult to adjust to.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/indigenous-first-nations-metis-parenting-calgary-1.4920852