Walking the Red Road: The Role of First Nations Grandparents in Promoting Cultural Well-Being

• Published in: The International Journal of Aging and Human Development
• Main Authors: Thompson, Grace E., Cameron, Rose E., Fuller-Thomson, Esme
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2013
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/ag.76.1.c; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2190/AG.76.1.c

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to provide a framework for understanding the contemporary experience of First Nations grandparents. Fifteen respondents ( N = 15) were selected from two demographically different Canadian cities. Seven of the grandparents lived with their child and a grandchild or grandchildren at the time of the interview; an additional four had lived with their grandchildren at some point prior to this investigation. Results revealed that First Nations grandparents had leveraged their own experiences of cultural disruption to reinvest in the cultural health and well-being of their grandchildren. One grandfather described this role as “walking the red road” which entailed a responsibility “to provide wisdom and … protection.” Identified benefits of rejuvenating traditions and grandparent involvement included cultural healing and joy.