[1] They are regarded as living libraries, with information on a wide variety of practical, spiritual and ceremonial topics, including "basic beliefs and teachings, encouraging...faith in the Great Spirit, the Creator".
An elder is a person that has accumulated a great deal of wisdom and knowledge throughout his or her lifetime, especially in the tradition and customs of the group.Elders emphasize listening and not asking WHY.
Clarification of a certain point or comments was considered okay.Learners were also encouraged to watch and listen to what was happening around them.
'"[6] The importance of context and preparation is also indicated by the following quote: "For example, recent work with the Menominee indicated that eye contact between an elder teacher and a child was necessary for informal teaching to proceed, and any disruption on the part of the child was challenged (Medicine, unpublished field notes 1987).
[8] At conferences elders may be treated as tokens and simply be brought out at the beginning and end to lead ceremonies.