In the Presence of Wisdom: Voices of the Land
Taken from the foreword of Voices of the Land, 1993. When the Elders met at the gathering “The Voice of
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In the heart of Indigenous wisdom lie the profound teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. Bestowed upon the First Elder by the Seven Grandfathers, encapsulates essential virtues that are meant to be lived in harmony. The Seven Grandfathers emphasized that these teachings are interwoven, and one cannot exist without the others. To leave one behind is to embrace its opposite. These timeless principles serve as a guiding light, reminding us to embrace and practice these virtues in our lives and to pass them on to the generations to come.
1. Love:
The foundation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings is love. Love encompasses more than just affection for others; it’s about love for oneself, for the Creator, and for the world around us. It reminds us to approach life with a compassionate heart, fostering unity and understanding.
2. Respect:
Respect is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and harmony within communities. It teaches us to honour the earth, all living beings, and our fellow human beings. By showing respect, we acknowledge the intrinsic value and dignity of each being.
3. Bravery:
Bravery, in the context of the Seven Grandfathers, means having the courage to stand up for what is right. It is the strength to face adversity, both within and outside ourselves, with resilience and determination.
4. Honesty:
Honesty is a commitment to truthfulness in words and actions. It encourages us to be open and transparent in our interactions with others and ourselves, fostering trust and authenticity.
5. Humility:
Humility is the recognition of our place within the grand tapestry of existence. It reminds us to approach life with modesty, understanding that we are but one part of a greater whole. It keeps us grounded and free from arrogance.
6. Truth:
Truth is more than simply stating facts; it’s about living in a way that aligns with our principles and values. It challenges us to be honest with ourselves and to live authentically, embracing the principles of love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth.
7. Wisdom:
Wisdom is the culmination of the other teachings. It arises when we embrace love, respect, and uphold the values of bravery, honesty, humility, and truth in all that we do. These teachings are a reminder that we must walk the path of life with these virtues intertwined, passing them on to our children and future generations. In doing so, we honour the sacred gift from the Creator, creating a world where these virtues flourish and the balance of existence is maintained.
Sources: The Seven Grandfather Teachings – Love, humility, courage, wisdom, honesty, respect, truth.https://www.inspiringyoungminds.ca/fnmi-resources/classroom-decorations/
Environmental Scan of Urban Indigenous Services
Taken from the foreword of Voices of the Land, 1993. When the Elders met at the gathering “The Voice of
Adapted from Association of Friends, August 1995 Art, a lifelong resident of Birch Island, exemplifies commitment and community engagement. Married to
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