The culture of a people is the story and record of its existence and it is an ongoing experience of a community's or nation's relationships with one another. Cultural values are those high points in the life of a people that define its character and are worthy of being passed on to future generations. A community or village or band is fortunate to have in its midst those who have taken an interest in the traditions of the tribe and are willing to pass on the wisdom of the ages to those who are willing to hear.
The bearers of the wisdom of the grandfathers have a responsibility to teach where it seems that errors are being made as we try to follow the ways of our ancestors. Scolding is not the best way to teach and when we are talking about adherence to the purity of the tradition we must remember that there are some changes that come about because of the convenience of new ways. For instance flint was an important tool in the days of our fathers and it is still in use in lighters in this day. Does the lighter purify the fire or is the fire itself the purifier?
It is also important to remember that the culture of a people has a current state and reaches back only for that which would enhance the lives of those living in this time. Culture also has an important role in our future as we are shaped and guided by our upbringing and our experiences.
The cultural and traditional values of a tribe are for the purpose of establishing a relationship with the Creator and the creatures of the Creator. They are not in and of themselves important except as we attempt to reach out in prayer and worship of Gichi-Manido. The pow wow may have changed over the centuries but it serves its purpose if it provides an opportunity for participants to communicate with one another and jointly share in the prayer or the benefit that the pow wow becomes.
The tribes would not have remained unchanged in the world even if the white man had not come to this land. Years ago during the fishing battles, sportspeople often said that Indians who wanted to fish, should use canoes and spears to do their fishing. Indians, however are entitled to the benefits of progress and have made contributions towards the advances in the world we live in. It is traditional to be progressive.
Bill LeBlanc is an elder of the Bay Mills Indian Community. He is retired from State government where he worked as an Indian advocate. He currently resides on the Bay Mills Reservation.
