There are seven sacred teachings in the indigenous culture that relate to common morals, but it is connected to the medicine wheel: a four-direction circle that consists of four colours, black, white, yellow, and red. The medicine wheel is separated into these four directions, and each direction represents the spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual ways of life. 

The seven grandfather teachings are love, respect, truth, humility, honesty, bravery, and wisdom. Each grandfather has a teaching connected to it. We are told in our traditional ways that if you follow these seven teachings, it will give you the guidance to live a better life, and you will live your life feeling balanced while also teaching others. 

 
I will be listing each of the grandfather teachings and give an example for each. 

Chi Miigwech! 

Thank you! 

Love - Zaagidwin 

Love is one of the grandfather teachings, and it is a strong teaching; everyone deserves to be loved and love others. The teaching of love can be platonic; it does not always have to be seen in a romantic way. 

The way we love others is important and it helps us become more confident that we share this love with others, such as ourselves and our friends and family. Love should be equal and shared. 

An example of this love teaching is an animal that represents love. The animal that represents love in the seven grandfathers is an eagle. The eagle represents the high sight, and is more aware. He sees more things than we cannot, everything created. The eagle observes and flies freely. Being free allows us to share the love we have, so it is important to love and care for one another unconditionally.   

Respect - Mnaadendimowin 

Respect is something everyone should know and practice. You should be respected no matter what, and treat others how you would like to be treated. You should not think you are better than others, but instead look at it as we are all equal and should show respect, even if others do you wrong. 

The animal that represents respect is the buffalo. The buffalo is known as a mighty beast. It fits the respect aspect because the buffalo is peaceful; he does what is needed but respects others around him.  
 

Truth – Debwewin 

Truth is important to guide you; being truthful is a good trait and it will never do you wrong. 

Being true to yourself will benefit your life so much, and speaking your truth will bring along the other six grandfathers. 

The animal that represents truth is the turtle. The teaching is that the turtle has many shapes on its shell, this shell represents all the teachings. The turtle is a wise animal, and it has a long life. The turtle moves slowly, but it goes through a long journey. But it is what the turtle is used to. He goes through hardships but learns from them. These obstacles that occur throughout your life can also be seen as trial and error, and these are where teachings come in to guide you through it. Being true to yourself for others is what brings you trust. 

Humility – Dbaadendiziwen  

Humility means being humble. Being humble means that you are not better than others, you acknowledge your peers, and root for them. You have empathy for others and help them the best way you can. 

This is exemplified by a quote from C.S Lewis, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. “ 
Humility is not a weakness or a fear of being judged, it is being a leader. For example, you learn from your mistakes, and you educate others from your lived experience. Humility is a great gift, and you can inspire others.  

The wolf represents humility. The wolf fits the part because the wolf is a leader, he is one of the strongest in the pack. The alpha wolf stays behind while the rest of the pack stays together; the alpha wolf is always ready to protect. 

Honesty – Gwekwaadziwin 

Honesty is a strong teaching; it teaches us to understand that we accept ourselves as who we are. We do not belittle ourselves or others. Instead, we are honest with who we are and not deceive others. 

Being honest with yourself is the first step, and it will shape who you are. Speaking the truth will strengthen your integrity and make you trustworthy. It is a positive personality trait, and you cannot be honest with yourself or to others, without learning to have humility and respect. 

This is where all the other teachings come in and it is all connected. The animal that represents honesty is the raven. This beautiful black bird is always aware, trusting its gut. The raven walks tall, he sees more than we do but still does what it needs to do to live peacefully.  

Bravery – Aakwa'ode’ewin  

Bravery is having the courage and strength to go through things that we are anxious to do, something that causes us fear. Learning to be brave in these situations leaves us feeling stronger knowing that we beat the fear of the unknown and build up our strengths. 

Having the courage to do something you normally would not do is a strength and teaching itself. Being brave comes from your inner voice; being fearless guides you to make positive choices in your life, and you learn from it. Being a strong person is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. 

The bear represents bravery, specifically a mother bear. The mother bear does everything it can to prevent any harm to her cubs. She is a strong mammal and faces many challenges just to survive and defend herself for her cubs.  

 
Wisdom – Nbwaakaawin 

Wisdom is acknowledging all the seven grandfathers and using them in your life. It is a way to be balanced. 

You will realise that you are a teacher to others, while still learning as you go along with your life. We acknowledge all the teachings from our elders and leaders we meet throughout our lives. 

Being wise but also being humble is where you teach others, but also includes the fact that we are not better than our peers and we make mistakes but learn from them. 
Using your wisdom builds your quality of life; all these traits are all connected to each of the seven grandfathers. The beaver represents wisdom. He is aware that his way of survival is sustainable to its surroundings. He uses what is available to build his home without damaging the ecosystem. The beaver is wise to protect his environment by honouring the way of life. 
 

Jaime Macdonald was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. She is in her first year of college studying Indigenous Wellness & Addictions Prevention. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She likes making cultural crafts, such as hide mittens and moccasins. Jaime enjoys true crime shows and researching weird topics online. She wants to continue learning more about the indigenous culture.

All photos courtesy and copyright Jaime Macdonald