Richard Froese
Spotlight
Seniors were celebrated as High Prairie photographer Jodi Sware released her book “Wisdom of Our Elders” during an open house March 19 at the High Prairie and District Museum.
“I’ve been waiting for this book since I started the project three years ago,” says Jodi Sware.
For $78, her 166-page book features 78 seniors from the High Prairie area, Falher to Kinuso, as well as Wabasca and Cadotte Lake, with a few added special senior personalities as part of the Wisdom Project.
“They are all important and I want them to know that,” Sware says.
“They were all overly humble and I hope they will be pleased with the final outcome.”
With 150 copies, she sold about 130 at the reception.
Seniors in the book appreciated the opportunity.
-Louisa Rich, 86, of High Prairie.
“It will be a historical souvenir for future generations.”
“It’s such a tribute.”
Her daughter lauds the project.
“I’m so happy Jodi did the book, it’s an incredible book,’ says Cynthia Rich.
“In the aboriginal culture, they celebrate their elders and their wisdom, and other cultures don’t.”
-Cecile Turcotte, 71, of Donnelly,
“It was touching that Jodi approached me.”
“Writing our wisdom for our children and grandchildren is important.”
Her daughter was delighted that her mother was selected.
“I really encouraged her to do it because she is so full of wisdom and she gave a small piece to pick from all the wisdom she imparts everyday,” says Joanne Murphy of High Prairie.
-George Bennett, 93, of High Prairie.
“I was very happy to be part of it.”
“It’s good for the future.
“We have to be reminded of who they are.”
-Eleanor Barnes, 92, of High Prairie.
“It lets people know seniors are informative, a reason for living.”
“I love life and enjoy it every day and I wake up with a smile.”
-Tony Belli, 71, of High Prairie.
“She did a fantastic job to recognize the older generation and give young people wisdom and what people learned over the years.”
-Keith Parke, 69, of Salt Prairie.
“It was an honour to be asked by Jodi.
“I got lots of my wisdom from my grandfather, things I learned over life.”
“Maybe people will start listening to old people and their wisdom.”
Two couples are among the wise seniors featured.
-Jim and Evelyn Babkirk of High Prairie.
“It’s great for everybody to remember old people,” says Evelyn, 84.
“We each bring our wisdom and everybody knows a little bit of something.”
Her husband shares similar thoughts.
“It’s nice to let younger people know you can stay married a long time,” says Jim, 86.
“You have to learn to give and take a little and be a good influence to them.”
-Carson and Anne Porisky of High Prairie.
“I give Jodi a lot of credit for putting the book together,” says Anne, who turns 84 in April.
“It’s important to honour seniors.”
Her other half says seniors offer much from life experiences.
“As a elder, you want to set an example and show them and teach them,” says Carson, 90.
“When you show them, it’s a clear vision.”
Up next, Sware is on the way to publish a second book in the Wisdom Project to feature couples married for 40 years and more and get their wisdom on the what it take to be together that long.
