Foster grandparent program connects tribal elders with local youth to pass down cultural knowledge

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council recently recognized volunteers of its foster grandparent program, which is an effort through the Americorps Seniors Program to engage seniors in the community.

The initiative connects elders like Bill Roundwind with tribal youth in need of mentorship.

As the Bad River Tribe’s pipe carrier, Roundwind leads healing and talking circles in the tribal community.

As a foster grandparent, he started doing the same thing for kids – both at the local high school and at the Lincoln Hills youth prison.

By Erin Gottsacker

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council