Interview with
Keith Chief Moon
Keith has been a long time friend of our team’s researcher Cash and this is not their first conversation about eldership. Cash went to visit him to record this interview. We are grateful that they share their exchange where Keith elaborates about his view on aging and dying and how these phases of life are disrupted by colonization for Indigenous people. He tells stories of his life that can serve as examples for others looking for healthier relationships.
About our guest
Keith Chief Moon
Blackfoot Elder Keith Chiefmoon, is a member of the Issoitapi clan in Kainai First Nation. Keith is the lead dancer and ceremonialist for the Natosi Okahn Sacred Sundance Society situated on the Blood Indian Reserve, Standoff, Alberta.
1. What are some effects of colonialism on the wellbeing of Indigenous people as they grow up?
Keith begins talking about the history of residential schools in Canada and tells about some of the ongoing effects of these acts of colonization on the wellbeing of Indigenous people. Amongst other things, this assimilation process affected the relationship with death. Seeing it as an ending can instigate fear into the way your are living.
“They wanted to assimilate us, to follow their way of life. In fact, they didn’t even acknowledge our beliefs, our way of life. Our way of life is not a religion, it’s a way of life.”
— Keith Chief Moon
2. What are some beliefs and experiences associated with dying and death?
Keith shares a story that was shared to him about a near-death experience. That person had a glimpse at the afterlife that was coherent to their ancestral teachings instead of the beliefs enforced onto them in residential schools. These stories can be important for Indigenous people to witness in how they validate traditions that were ostracized.
3. How would you describe today how you have lived your life?
The interview continues with Keith talking about how the pressures to live the normalized Canadian lifestyle affected him. It drove him to develop unhealthy habits but he also tells what it took him to find a path that made sense to who he is. Keith then shares how honesty is an important value for him and in his traditions. He talks about how honesty can be intimidating and can bring us to even avoid being in relationships with others. Some relationships in his life upheld him to walk towards a healthier path.
4. What does it mean for you to be aging well?
Keith explains how growing up he developed more attention to his surroundings and to himself. Education often values assertiveness yet mindfulness leads to healthier relationships. Cash then asks Keith to share some of his opinions about systems of care and how Indigenous seniors could experience better care. Finally Keith ends the interview reminding you of the need to work for better relationships with the Indigenous people of the lands you’re on.
“I was told that if you keep talking Blackfoot, you’re gonna go to hell. That’s the devil’s language. That’s what I was told.”
— Keith Chief Moon
“I wasn’t able to accomplish anything up to that point because as a young man, I was so caught up in being a Canadian that my own words had no value. I couldn’t keep my own word ”
— Keith Chief Moon
“Because there is always enough to go around. But if you start hoarding stuff then all of a sudden you’re overstepping your boundaries. […] Aging well is to pay attention to yourself and not become too selfish.”
— Keith Chief Moon