Elder talks about the importance of kindness

Métis Elder Elsie Yanik likened receiving an honourary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta to Christmas in June.
“When I learned that the University of Alberta was going to give me an honourary degree, I felt a great sense of happiness and appreciation for everything. It was overwhelming. It was a familiar feeling. When you’ve been around for 97 years, most things become familiar. I remember one of the first times I felt this way it was 89 years ago,” Yanik said during graduation ceremonies on June 11.

She told of the last time she saw her mother, who was taken to Edmonton for treatment from their home in Fort Fitzgerald, which she described as “about as far north (in Alberta) as you can go before you get to Northwest Territories.” It was at Christmas time and a young Elsie told her neighbour, Syd Porter, a World War I veteran and a “true gentleman in every respect,” that Santa had forgotten them.  Hours later, Porter returned to Yanik’s house with a gunnysack full of gifts, telling her that Santa Claus had misplaced them.

“The way I felt then, 89 years ago, is how I feel today. You see, kindness is enduring. Kindness makes everyone feel good. The person who gives kindness feels as good as the person receiving kindness. When we witness kindness it makes us feel very good. We all need and feel good as often as we can. Trust me. It may not make you live longer but you will certainly live better,” said Yanik.

As Yanik grew up and continued to live in Fort Fitzgerald, Porter remained an important part of her life, her husband’s life and her children’s lives. It was her husband, who on a visit to Porter to deliver Elsie’s freshly baked bread, discovered Porter was ill and needed to be taken to the hospital in Fort Smith. Porter is buried there in the Anglican cemetery.

“And I am here today because he taught me the importance of kindness. He was my professor, certainly not the only one, but probably the most important one. Today again I have been shown great kindness,” said Yanik.

Yanik was introduced at the graduation ceremony by Dr. Fern Snart, dean of the faculty of education, and honoured with a song by Lyle Tootoosis of Poundmaker First Nation.

“For years she has served with grace and humility as a fourth generation Métis Elder and role model for young students and people of many different socio-economic backgrounds,” said Snark. “She is deeply committed to the preservation and celebration of Aboriginal heritage and culture… Elder Yanik is an equally passionate advocate to improved access to health and education.”

Yanik’s tireless efforts have earned her a blessing from Pope John Paul II; an Esquao Award, which recognizes excellence by Aboriginal women; and a Governor General’s commemorative medal.

Dr. Indira V. Samarasekera, president of the U of A, directed the graduates to “look to Elsie Yanik for guidance and inspiration.”
Said Yanik, “After all these years I thought I must be getting close to payback. The kindness shown to me. But after what you have done here, I will have to live another 100 years before I can settle that account.”

Photo caption: Elder Elsie Yanik receives her honourary doctor of laws degree during convocation ceremonies at the University of Alberta on June 11.