Join host Amanda Bostlund around kitchen tables and in community spaces for Elder Voices, a limited-series podcast of stories and ideas from elders, and about elderhood, from within Mi’kmaw, African Nova Scotian, Acadian and Gaelic communities. For those of us in Anglo settler communities who have lost the tradition of elderhood, this is an invitation to listen, learn and remember. For all of us, these voices will offer a window into ways of life that are different from our own.
Elder Voices is a project of How We Thrive and was made possible through the Department of Seniors and Long Term Care and was recorded and produced in Nova Scotia, within Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw people.
There is much more wisdom to hear, and we have certainly not been able to capture a full picture of elderhood, or represent an entire culture; these episodes are intended as a thoughtful glimpse into the ideas and memories of those we had the privilege of meeting. Hopefully each of us will ask ourselves: what is my experience of elders in my own community?
How can learning about the struggles and successes of our ancestors affect us?
How might the knowledge of elders help us understand some of the big issues of our times?
During this episode, we are introduced into the Acadian community in West Pubnico, where most people can easily trace their ancestry back many generations. Meet Laurent D’Entremont as he shares many aspects of his varied past and some lessons he’s learned along the way. Hear also from several women Amanda met at the local museum as they consider questions around elderhood.
13 Apr 2023
Sylvia and Rashida
What roles do elders fill in their communities? In what less-obvious ways do elders gift youngers with important lessons?
In this episode, two African Nova Scotian women offer a glimpse into the nourishing web of connection and support that foster a sense of belonging in their community. Hear about how people can learn from, and care for, one another throughout their lives, and about strength, patience and kindness. Join Sylvia Parris-Drummond and Rashida Symonds for this conversation with Amanda at the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute in Halifax.
17 Mar 2023
Elder Albert
How does someone become an elder in Mi'kmaw communities? What responsibilities does an elder carry, and how are they expressed?
During this episode, we meet with Elder Albert Marshall in his home in Eskasoni, Unama'ki (Cape Breton). Elder Marshall and his late wife, Murdena, developed Two-Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk, an approach that brings together the best of Indigenous knowledge with the best of Western science. Two-Eyed Seeing is now being applied across many fields internationally. Join Amanda in Elder Albert’s kitchen as we hear his thoughts about the values that underpin actions, and how thoughtful behaviour can inspire others to live with integrity.
12 Mar 2023
Anna and Emily
What can we learn about the power of welcoming, care, and connection? How does the past become alive and why does this matter for the future?
During this episode, we meet with two Gaelic women in Inverness County, Cape Breton. Emily MacDonald talks about how her beloved elder Anna MacKinnon takes her back in time, and what that means for her understanding of herself and her community. Join Emily, Anna and Amanda in Anna’s cozy home for some stories and songs.
31 Jan 2023
Introducing Elder Voices
Join us for Elder Voices, where we meet and learn from different elders, and from others in their communities, about elderhood in Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia, Canada)
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