Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 19/99) - Sarah Hardisty moves through the settlement of Jean Marie River with a determined stride.

The 75-year-old elder makes it a point to visit and offer advice to the younger generations within the tiny settlement of 60.

"For as long as I've lived here, this has been a strong community," Hardisty said through a translator.

"The community has always been well-fed and nourished by the land, but lately, all of our elderly husbands have passed on. Since they passed on, I continue to pass on the traditional ways."

Hardisty has always lived in Jean Marie River. Her grandfather, Joseph Sanguez, settled the community. She said it started with a teepee. Eventually, Sanguez built the house she was born in. It's been a while since Hardisty has thought back that far and it takes her by surprise.

"Oh my God. I've lived here 75 years," she exclaimed, shaking her head.

"Yes, things have really changed dramatically. In the olden days, children used to sit at home and be taught by the elders how to do the basic necessities to survive.

"The children used to listen and today it's not like that," she added sadly.

That fact doesn't sway her from reaching out to the young people and reminding them of their proud heritage every chance she gets.

Jean Marie River First Nations only has two other elders, Bella Norwegian and Mary-Louise Sanguez. That is one of the reasons they each work so hard with the youth.

"I'm very happy for what I can still do. I'm still teaching traditional craft making at the school," Hardisty said.

"Not only now, but I've been instructing and teaching young ladies for decades. If those I teach continue to live with the skills they learn, different people will see them and recognize they're carrying on the tradition."

On July 6, Hardisty proudly accepted an award at the Dene National Assembly from NWT Commissioner Dan Marion. The certificate was to honour her for her tireless dedication to keeping Dene traditions alive.

"I'm very thankful to have received recognition," she said.

"If we continue to share with young children how to use traditional knowledge then that knowledge will continue from generation to generation. I'm pleased to be able to do that."