Indigenous peoples have strong roles for “Aunties” in the family dynamic.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about descendants. I believe that descendants should participate in the lives of those who have preceded us. I not just talking about those who we are biologically descended from. We must also include Aunts & Uncles, Nieces & Nephews in the “descendancy” chart.
Indigenous peoples have strong roles for “Aunties” in the family dynamic. The responsibility to be the contingency Mom is almost inherent. As the generations unfold, the family and the community both accept responsibility to ensure that the needs of their elders are met.
I suggest that we all must examine our roles and responsibilities as Aunts & Uncles and Nieces & Nephews. “It takes a family to raise a child!”