The Seven Grandfather Teachings

The Seven Grandfather Teachings come from the Anishinaabe people (including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations). These teachings are gifts from the spirit world, meant to guide how we live with ourselves, with each other, and with the Earth.

They are called "Grandfather" Teachings because they carry the deep, wise spirit of the Elders — not just men, but the wise ones who have lived and learned.

Each Teaching is also connected to an animal, whose way of living shows the teaching in action.

Here they are, shared with the reverence they deserve:

🌿 1. Nibwaakaawin — Wisdom
Animal: Beaver
Wisdom is the ability to use your knowledge for the good of all people.
Like the beaver builds strong lodges, we are to build strong communities using our gifts.

🌿 2. Zaagi'idiwin — Love
Animal: Eagle
Love is unconditional and expressed through action.
The eagle, soaring highest, sees the widest view — and loves all creation equally from above.

🌿 3. Minaadendamowin — Respect
Animal: Buffalo (Bison)
Respect means honoring all life, showing consideration and appreciation for all living things.
The buffalo gives every part of itself for the people — it shows respect through sacrifice.

🌿 4. Aakode'ewin — Bravery (or Courage)
Animal: Bear
Bravery is to face the foe with integrity; it also means having the courage to be yourself.
The bear, fearless in protecting its young, teaches us to stand up for what is right, even when we are afraid.

🌿 5. Gwayakwaadiziwin — Honesty
Animal: Raven or Sabe (Bigfoot)
Honesty is speaking and living your truth, being faithful to who you are.
The Sabe (a gentle giant in Anishinaabe stories) reminds us that honesty is living without fear of being your authentic self.

🌿 6. Dibaadendiziwin — Humility
Animal: Wolf
Humility is recognizing and respecting your place within Creation — neither better nor worse than anyone else.
The wolf lives and hunts in a pack; it thrives through working with others, not by standing above them.

🌿 7. Debwewin — Truth
Animal: Turtle
Truth is to know all of these teachings — and to live them every day.
The turtle, who carries its home on its back and walks a slow and deliberate path, teaches us that living the truth is a lifelong journey.

🌕 In the old teachings, it is said:
If you live by one of the Teachings but not the others, you are not in balance.
All seven must be lived together, like the strands of a braid, strong only when woven whole.

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