Elder's Corner- Hoopa Valley Tribe

The elders of the Hoopa Valley Tribe have always played an integral role in the overall community atmosphere and wellness of the families of the valley. Historically the Hupa people considered all relatives a member of the family, and it was the role of the oldest people to care for the young children while the adults and older children performed the day-to-day activities that were required to make the family units flourish. Elders were responsible for passing on the rich oral history, language, and tradition to the younger generations. Many of the younger generations were taught to respect the advice and wisdom of the elders of our community, and that tradition continues today. In modern days the elders play a much similar role in our culture. They are looked to for advise in traditional matters that appear in our Tribal Court system, and in both economic and environmental development planning through a Cultural Committee. They still play a vital part in the individual families throughout the valley in both caring for the young children as well as preparing them for young adulthood.