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Margaret Snow reinforces a lesson in the Menominee language with Onanahkwat Tucker in one of her language and culture classes at Keshena Elementary School. Snow reflected on the role of an elder, “We want to pass on as much as we can, what we’ve learned. It’s so very important because the children have to have the knowledge as it was passed down to us on how to walk the good, red road, the Native American way.”David Wilhelms
Margaret Snow makes a point about identifying yourself in the Menominee language.David Wilhelms
Margaret Snow introduces the work for “fork” in Menominee in one of her language and culture classes at Keshena Elementary School. Listening is Kyara Brewer, right.David Wilhelms
Margaret Snow reviews the steps in a greeting in Menominee that she teaches her students at Keshena Elementary School.David Wilhelms
Margaret Snow reads from the Menominee prayer posted in her classroom at Keshena Elementary School.David Wilhelms
Margaret Snow, center, Onanahkwat Tucker, left, and Kyara Brewer, right, listen to a student during one of Snow's language and culture classes at Keshena Elementary School.David Wilhelms
Joey Awonopohay, director of the tribe’s Department of Menominee Language and Culture, makes the distinction between a person advanced in years and an elder, Awonohopay said. “Someone who is elderly is not necessarily an elder. It’s not something automatically conferred. It’s a very, very honorable way for someone to describe you,” Awonopohay said.David Wilhelms
Kristin Waukau, Menominee tribal dementia care specialist, takes her job very personally as she was a primary caregiver for her grandmother who had Parkinson’s disease with dementia. “If had known then what I know now, we would have had a better relationship.” Part of her commitment comes from, “We cherish and honor our elders.”David Wilhelms