Notes on the Seven Grandfather Teachings

Introduction

• Presenter: Mallory Graham, Anishinaabekwia from TribalTradeCo.com
• Focus: Seven Grandfather Teachings in Anishinaabe culture
• Importance: Key teachings for the Anishinaabeg nation and other Indigenous people

Background

• Indigenous North American tribes have varied traditional teachings.
• Ojibwe teaching: Seven grandfathers were tasked by the creator to watch over the people on Turtle Island (Mother Earth).
• The grandfathers observed the unhealthy living of people and decided to help.

The Teaching of the Seven Grandfathers

• Purpose: To pass down seven gifts/teachings to guide people in living a good life.
• Recipient: A young, innocent child chosen for their purity and potential to learn.
• The child meets the grandfathers in a lodge, source of all knowledge.
• The child travels a lifetime, meeting spirit animals every seven years to learn each gift.

The Seven Gifts

1. Wisdom

   • Cherish knowledge; discern truth and righteousness.
   • Use your gifts wisely, respect differences.

2. Love

   • Care for yourself and others.
   • Achieve peace through love, balance life and creation.

3. Respect

   • Honor all creation; avoid waste.
   • Share and give away excess, treat others well.

4. Bravery

   • Face life with courage, defend beliefs.
   • Make positive choices, face fears.

5. Honesty

   • Live with integrity, be truthful to oneself.
   • Accept yourself, avoid deception.

6. Humility

   • Be humble and selfless.
   • Respect your place in life, acknowledge others.

7. Truth

   • Show sincerity and honor.
   • Be true to yourself and others, act without regret.

Conclusion

• The teachings emphasize spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional development.
• Each person represents the child in the story, on a journey of personal growth.

Additional Resources

• For more on Indigenous culture and smudging, download the free guide linked in the video description.