The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Long ago, when the Earth was still young, the Anishinaabe people were in need of guidance to live in harmony with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Seeing this, the Creator sent seven powerful spirits, known as the Grandfathers, to help the people. These Grandfathers were ancient and wise, and they each carried with them a special teaching that would serve as a foundation for a good life.
The Creator tasked the Grandfathers with finding a child who would receive these teachings and carry them to the people, for children were seen as pure and full of potential. The Grandfathers traveled across the world and found a young boy, pure of heart, living in the wilderness. They saw that this boy would be the one to carry their teachings.
The boy was brought to each Grandfather in turn, and with each visit, the Grandfathers shared a sacred teaching. These teachings would become known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and they would provide the moral and ethical compass for the Anishinaabe people.
The Teachings
1. Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin)
The first Grandfather said to the boy, "To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom. Wisdom is about making good decisions that benefit not just yourself, but the people and the world around you."
The boy learned that wisdom is not simply about having knowledge but using that knowledge to make decisions that are beneficial for the whole community and the environment. It is the ability to see and understand the consequences of one’s actions.
2. Love (Zaagidwin)
The second Grandfather spoke of love: "To know love is to know peace. Love is unconditional, and it must be given freely without expecting anything in return."
The boy was taught that love is the force that binds all things together. It is important to love oneself and others, but also to extend love to all living beings, including animals, plants, and the Earth itself. Love creates harmony.
3. Respect (Minaadendamowin)
The third Grandfather said, "To honor all of Creation is to have respect. Respect means honoring others for who they are, including their differences and the gifts they bring."
Respect, the boy learned, is acknowledging the worth of all beings and the interconnectedness of life. By showing respect for the land, the animals, and other people, one maintains balance and peace in the world.
4. Bravery (Aakode'ewin)
The fourth Grandfather shared, "To face life with courage is to know bravery. Bravery is about facing your fears and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult."
The boy learned that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome fear to do what is right. It is about standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and protecting what is sacred, including the land and the community.
5. Honesty (Gwekwaadiziwin)
The fifth Grandfather taught, "To be honest with yourself and others is to live in the spirit of Gwekwaadiziwin. Honesty is about truth in your words and actions, but also about being true to who you are."
The boy was shown that honesty means having integrity and being true to oneself, even when it’s hard. It’s about being transparent and open in all relationships and interactions.
6. Humility (Dabaadendiziwin)
The sixth Grandfather said, "Humility is to know that you are a sacred part of Creation, but no more important than any other part."
The boy learned that humility is about recognizing that no one is greater or lesser than anyone else. Every person, animal, and plant has a purpose, and it is important to live without arrogance, acknowledging the value of all life.
7. Truth (Debwewin)
Finally, the seventh Grandfather taught, "Truth is to know all of these things. To live in truth is to walk with integrity and understanding."
Truth, the boy understood, encompasses all the other teachings. When a person lives with wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, and humility, they are living in truth. Truth is the ultimate goal of the teachings—it is to be genuine and authentic in all aspects of life.
The Return to the People
After receiving the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the boy returned to his people to share the wisdom he had learned. The teachings were passed down from generation to generation, guiding the Anishinaabe people in their daily lives, relationships, and interactions with the natural world.
The teachings are meant to be lived, not just learned. They are considered a sacred responsibility, reminding the Anishinaabe people to live with balance and to always honor the connection between all living things. The Seven Grandfather Teachings form the ethical framework for a good life, ensuring harmony with oneself, others, and Creation.
References
- Benton-Banai, Edward. The Mishomis Book: The Voice of the Ojibway. University of Minnesota Press, 1988.
- Johnston, Basil H. Ojibway Heritage. McClelland & Stewart, 1976.