The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Youth Council (MNYC) has spent the past year building a strong and impactful partnership with the MCN Elders Program, bridging the generational gap through shared knowledge, mutual respect, and heartfelt connection. What began as simple collaboration has grown into lasting friendships and ongoing cultural exchange that benefits both youth and elders.
Through regular involvement at events such as the Elders Sweetheart Dance, Senior Games, MCN Chair Volleyball, and the MCN Carnival, MNYC members have become familiar and welcome faces within the elder community. The youth consistently volunteer their time—serving, setting up, assisting, and more—but most importantly, they show up with open hearts and willingness to learn.
These intergenerational gatherings have created space for two-way teaching and learning. The youth help elders navigate basic technology, from using smartphones and tablets to setting up social media and email. In return, the elders share invaluable teachings—speaking in the Mvskoke language, telling tribal history, and offering guidance through personal life stories.
One of the most powerful outcomes of this partnership has been the formation of genuine friendships. The elders now greet the youth by name, and the youth feel deeply connected to their cultural roots through these ongoing interactions. These moments of connection have fostered a profound sense of social wellness, bringing the community together in both spirit and action.
Looking ahead, the MNYC and Elders Program are planning a technology and storytelling class, continuing their commitment to cultural preservation, communication, and relationship-building. By creating bridges between generations, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Youth Council is not only uplifting the voices of their elders but also shaping a future deeply rooted in respect, identity, and unity.