Gap divides youth and elders

Page 12

Elders often talk about the lost generation of school-age kids who don't respect their elders, don't listen to their parents and they don't seek their knowledge and they abuse drugs and alcohol. It's a generation that fails to meet many elders' expectations.

But there is another view and it's a disturbing one.

The 'lost generation of youths' point their fingers at parents and grandparents and their abuse of alcohol and drugs, which they say are the main obstacles to family communication, sound parental guidance and the teaching of culture and language.

Members of the Inner City Drama Association - a troupe of three females and two males aged 13 to 20 - said drinking drives a wedge between parents and their children. When the youths want to talk about their problems to their parents, they're often tuned away, which may drive the kids to use drugs and alcohol.

"I know kids who can't talk to their parents. They constantly fight and don't get along," said 13-year-old Frank Noskey explaining that alcohol and drug abuse hinders family intimacy.

Noskey is one of two group members attending Ben Calf Robe School; the other is 16-year-old Marylin Bright Eyes. Although she does speak Cree she has found the only way she can learn of her culture is through Ben Calf Robe because parents and grandparents don't seem to have the time or the patience to teach it.

"Parents are too busy partying, drinking and going to bingo," charged Noskey. "The kids also too busy partying - so they can't listen to their elders."

The decline of extended families has also meant fewer opportunities for young people to learn their culture and language. Most families do not live together in a situation where grandparents can spend a lot of time with the grandchildren, said Dwayne Jeff, a volunteer with Boyle Street Coop.

Jeff said there's also not enough educational outlets to pass on cultural teachings and language instruction in the inner city.

But the centers might not be used, according to Bright Eyes. Some kids "think it's uncool" to learn of their culture. They'd rather "get into this rap (music) stuff," she said.

While the so-called lost generation of youth are among Edmonton's disadvantaged Native people, it also seems from their perspective their parents and elders are also lost.