The purpose of the Seven Sacred Teachings (also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings) is to guide Native American people and all Others toward a balanced, respectful and meaningful Life. These Teachings are Spiritual, Ethical and Practical principles that shape how individuals relate to themselves, others, the Land and Creator.
The teachings are a way of being. They guide how to act, speak, live and relate to all living things, grounded in Ancestral Knowledge passed down through Elders and Story keepers.
“The Teachings are not only for Ceremony, but every day.”
Each teaching represents a value that helps create balance:
Love brings care
Respect brings harmony
Courage brings action
Honesty brings truth
Wisdom brings understanding
Humility brings perspective
Truth holds all others together
When lived together, they form a Safe path to Healing and Wholeness.
The Teachings Help people stay in right relationship with:
Themselves (self-love, self-honesty)
Others (respect, humility)
Community (courage, truth)
The Earth (wisdom, gratitude)
The Creator (through all of the above)
This reflects the Native American worldview of interconnectedness: “All My Relations”
For many Indigenous communities, reconnecting with these teachings is a form of Resistance and Healing. Colonization disrupted Language, Family Systems, Spiritual Practices and Values. The Seven Sacred Teachings are a return to Ancestral Knowledge and Identity.
The Teachings are shared through Story, Ceremony and daily example. They are meant to be passed on to Children and Grandchildren, so that each Generation Walks in a Good Way.
“If you live one teaching, you live them all. If you break one, you weaken the others.” Anishinaabe Elder
This reminds us that the teachings are interconnected. You can not Live with Honesty but without Humility. You cannot show Courage without Love. They are a circle, not a ladder.
Cree: Sâkihitowin
Anishinaabemowin: Zaagi’idiwin
In Indigenous teachings, Love (Zaagi’idiwin in Anishinaabemowin, Sâkihitowin in Cree) is one of the highest and most essential values. Love is not about possession or condition-it is about connection, care, and unselfish responsibility. Love starts with oneself, then flows outward to others, the land, the ancestors and Creator.
Love is the foundation of all the other Teachings. Without Love, the others lose Balance. To Live with Love means to act gently, to speak with Kindness, to Forgive and to carry yourself with an open Heart.
The Eagle is chosen as the symbol of Love because:
It flies highest in the sky, closest to Creator and sees the World from a Wide and Spiritual perspective.
Its Vision is clear, reminding us that Love must be Honest and far-seeing, not selfish or Blind.
It watches over all things with Strength and Grace, offering Protection and Spiritual Guidance.
Elders say that when we feel lost, we can send our Prayers up to the Creator through the Eagle, who carries them on its wings.
Long ago, before the people had lost their way, an Eagle flew high above the forest, watching over them. But as the world became more troubled, the people grew cold-hearted. They fought, they forgot the land, and they turned from the Teachings.
The Eagle flew to the Creator and said, “The people are forgetting how to Love.”
The Creator said, “Then go down and find even one heart that still holds true Love. If you find it, I will let the people try again.”
So the Eagle flew far. It soared over mountains, rivers, and villages. It saw greed, fear, and pain. Just as it was about to give up, it saw a child in the forest. The child was placing berries on a leaf and whispering thanks to the tree. The Eagle landed. The child said, “This is for the squirrel. He is hungry. I love him.”
The Eagle lifted its wings and returned to the Creator. “I found Love in a small heart.”
And so, the Creator allowed the people to keep their teachings because even a small act of love was powerful enough to heal generations.
Explanation: Love Is A Sacred Responsibility To Respect And Care Deeply For All Living Beings Including Yourself
Affirmation: I Will Choose Love In Every Thought Word And Action
Call To Action: Speak With Kindness Practice Compassion And Embrace Vulnerability
Prayer: Creator Please Fill My Heart With Love That Heals Connects And Honours All Life
Ceremony: Light Sweetgrass And Offer Prayers Of Gratitude For Every Person Animal And Element In Your Life
Cultural Tip: In Many Traditions Love Is Shown Through Actions Not Just Words Practice Generosity As An Act Of Love
Cree: Mâmawohkamâtowin
Anishinaabemowin: Manaadendamowin
Respect (Minaadendamowin in Anishinaabemowin, Kistêyihtowin in Cree) is the understanding that all beings-people, animals, plants, water, land, and spirit carry a purpose and deserve honour. To walk with Respect means:
Honouring boundaries, both Physical and Spiritual
Recognizing the Sacredness in all Life, not just human Life
Treating others how they wish to be treated, not just how you would
Living in balance, never taking more than you need
Respect is not earned through fear or status, but through living in right relationship with all our relations, including ourselves.
The Buffalo (also called Bison) is the animal symbol of Respect for many Plains nations because:
The Buffalo gave itself completely to the people-its Flesh for food, Hide for shelter and clothing, Bones for tools, Sinew for thread.
It did not ask for more than it needed, and lived in harmony with the Land.
It Taught the people Gratitude to only take what was necessary, and to use every part of what was given.
To kill a Buffalo was a Spiritual exchange. If you took without Respect, the consequences would come in the form of Hunger, Imbalance, or Spiritual loss.
A long time ago, the people had forgotten how to give thanks. They hunted the Buffalo carelessly, taking only the choicest cuts of meat, leaving the rest to rot on the prairie.
One day, an Elder had a dream. In it, a great Buffalo stood tall and spoke, “You have taken my body but not honoured my spirit.”
When the Elder awoke, she called the people together and told them the dream. Some laughed, but the youngest hunters listened. They began to pray before the hunt. They used every part of the animal. They laid down tobacco and said, “We thank you, Brother Buffalo, for your Gift.”
Years passed. When hard winters came, it was those young hunters-now Elders, whose families had enough to eat, warm hides to wear, and peace in their hearts. Because they remembered Respect, the Buffalo continued to offer itself.
And so, the people lived. Not just with full bellies, but with full hearts.
Respect is reciprocal: when you take with care, the world continues to give.
Disrespect breaks harmony: ignoring the Sacredness of Life leads to Spiritual and Physical imbalance.
Young ones who Listen become Wise Elders in time.
“The Buffalo gave everything so that the people could live. And in return, the people gave thanks, not just once, but every time they took from the Earth.”
Explanation: Respect Means Honouring The Sacredness And Autonomy Of All Things And All People
Affirmation: I Will See And Honour The Spirit In All Things
Call To Action: Listen Before You Speak Honour Differences And Walk Gently On The Earth
Prayer: Creator Help Me To See With Humility And Speak With Consideration So I May Walk With Respect
Ceremony: Place Tobacco On The Earth And Speak Aloud Acknowledging The Land Ancestors And Beings Around You
Cultural Tip: Respect Is A Daily Practice Not A Momentary Gesture Carry It In Every Interaction Especially With Elders And Children
Cree: Sôhkeyihtamowin
Anishinaabemowin: Aakode’ewin
Courage (Aakode’ewin in Anishinaabemowin, Sôhkeyihtamowin in Cree) is the inner strength to face life with Integrity, even when you are afraid. It means doing what is Right-not what is easy, popular, or safe. Courage does not mean the absence of Fear. It means choosing Truth, Healing and Responsibility even when Rear is present.
Courage is found in:
Speaking your Truth, even when others disagree
Standing up for Others, even when it’s uncomfortable
Facing your own wounds and walking through them toward growth
Living by the Teachings, even when no one is watching
The Bear is a powerful symbol of Courage because:
The Bear faces danger head-on, especially when protecting its cubs.
It goes into solitude and darkness during winter hibernation, a symbol of turning inward to heal.
Bears are fierce but also deeply nurturing, showing that true Courage balances strength with compassion.
In Native American Indian stories, the Bear is often a Protector and Healer. It reminds us that true Bravery is rooted in Love and Purpose, not Ego or Violence.
There was once a young girl who had a dream of becoming a Healer. But in her village, only the men had ever held that role. When she spoke of her dream, some laughed. Others warned her to stay quiet. She felt Fear growing in her chest.
One day, the Girl went into the forest to be alone. There, she met a great Bear. The Bear said, “I know your Heart. You are afraid, but your path is clear. Courage is not waiting for Fear to leave. Courage is walking anyway.”
The Girl returned to her people. She began learning from the Elders. She made Medicine bundles. She helped in Ceremony. At first, she was ignored. Then, she was tolerated. In time, she was respected.
Years later, when people came from far away in search of Healing, it was the woman they sought. Not because she had no Fear but because she had walked through it.
Courage begins in the Heart, not the Body.
Speaking your Truth can be the most Courageous act of all.
The Bear teaches us to Protect what matters -our children, our Healing, our Truth.
“Just as the Bear goes into the dark cave to sleep and wake stronger, we must go into our pain to rise with Wisdom. That is Courage.”
Explanation: Courage Is To Live Your Truth Even When You Feel Fear Or Face Resistance
Affirmation: I Will Walk Forward With Courage Even When The Path Is Uncertain
Call To Action: Speak Your Truth Stand For Justice And Protect The Vulnerable
Prayer: Creator Give Me Strength To Face Challenges With Grace And Determination
Ceremony: Drum Or Sing A Song That Reminds You Of Your Strength Or Ancestral Bravery
Cultural Tip: Courage Is Often Quiet It Shows In Doing What Is Right Even When No One Sees
Cree: Kwayaskowêwina
Anishinaabemowin: Gwayakwaadiziwin
Honesty (Gwayakwaadiziwin in Anishinaabemowin, Kwayaskowêwina in Cree) is about living and speaking your truth with clarity and humility. It is not just telling the truth with your words-it means aligning your Thoughts, Feelings, Actions and Spirit in an authentic way.
In traditional teachings, Honesty is living in a way that does not deceive yourself or others. It also means being Honest about who you are as well as your gifts, your Limitations, Responsibilities and never trying to be something that you are not.
The Sabe (pronounced Sah-Bay) is a mysterious being known in many Native nations as a giant, hairy, human-like creature who lives in the deep forest. Sabe symbolizes Honesty because:
Sabe walks in Truth, never hiding its true nature, even when Feared or misunderstood by Others.
It reminds us that to be Honest is to be real, even if that makes others uncomfortable.
The Sabe is unconcerned with appearances or approval-it just is what it is.
Sabe teaches that your Spirit is Sacred exactly as it is. You do not need to wear masks, compare yourself to others or pretend to be more or less than your true self.
In some West Coast and northern stories, the Raven also symbolizes Honesty, though sometimes through trickery. Raven is a Truth-teller by contrast: exposing Lies, revealing hidden motives, or by forcing Others to confront their Shadow.
Raven reminds us that Honesty is not always clean or easy. It may involve uncomfortable Truths or unexpected lessons, but it always clears the way for light.
A long time ago, a boy in the village became known for his stories. At first, they were small lies: “I saw a spirit in the river,” or “A bear almost attacked me.” People believed him and paid him attention. But soon, the stories grew wilder. He claimed he could speak to the Thunderbirds and walk on clouds.
One day, the boy wandered into the forest and became lost. The trees grew dark. He cried out. Then, a great shadow appeared-the Sabe. Towering, silent, and covered in hair. The Boy trembled. “Please don’t eat me,” he whispered.
But the Sabe only knelt and said, “I will not harm you. I only came to show you your Truth.”
“What do you mean?” the Boy asked.
“You lie because you think the Truth is not enough,” said the Sabe. “But the Creator made you with care. You were not born to impress. You were born to be real.”
The Boy felt shame. But also relief. The Sabe led him home. From that day, he told only the Truth even when it was Boring. Even when it was difficult. And for the first time, people truly Listened.
Honesty begins with the self.
Pretending to be something you are not disconnects you from your spirit.
True Honesty requires Humility and Courage, not performance.
“The Sabe walks tall because it has nothing to hide. Be like the Sabe and stand in your Truth, even when no one is watching.”
Explanation: Honesty Is Living In Alignment With Your Words Thoughts And Actions
Affirmation: I Will Be Truthful And Transparent With Myself And Others
Call To Action: Speak Honestly Even When It Is Difficult And Admit When You Are Wrong
Prayer: Creator Help Me To Be Honest In My Heart So That My Spirit Remains Clear
Ceremony: Sit In Silence With Yourself And Reflect On Where You Can Bring More Truth Into Your Life
Cultural Tip: Honesty Is Not Harshness It Is Truth Spoken With Respect And Balance
Cree: Nistamêyimâkanak
Anishinaabemowin: Nibwaakaawin
Wisdom is not simply intelligence or the ability to memorize facts. In our Teachings, Wisdom is the ability to apply Knowledge with care, Respect, and foresight. It involves:
Learning from experience, especially from Elders and Nature
Understanding the consequences of one’s actions
Knowing when to act and when to listen
Balancing personal needs with the needs of the collective
Wisdom guides decision-making in a way that sustains Harmony within the Family, Community, and Natural World. It Teaches that true Learning is lifelong and that Humility must walk alongside Wisdom.
The Beaver is chosen as the symbol of Wisdom because of how it uses its gifts to shape the environment without Greed or Waste. It Teaches several important lessons:
The Beaver works with purpose: It builds and maintains structures that support its Family and Protect its Community.
It uses its resources wisely: The Beaver takes only what it needs and contributes to the ecosystem (its dams create wetlands that help other animals too).
It never stops learning: The Beaver adapts to changing conditions, adjusting its dam-building techniques with experience and skill.
The Beaver reminds us that Wisdom means using our talents not for personal gain alone but to benefit the greater whole whether that is our Family, Nation, or Future Generations.
Many Elders teach that Wisdom is earned. You must live through hardship, ask questions, listen deeply, and watch the World around you. Wisdom is shown not just in what you know, but how you Live what you know.
Explanation: Wisdom Is Gained Through Experience And The Humility To Listen And Learn
Affirmation: I Will Seek Wisdom In All Experiences And Share It With Humility
Call To Action: Learn From Elders Reflect Deeply And Teach Others Through Example
Prayer: Creator May I Receive Wisdom That Serves Not Just Myself But All My Relations
Ceremony: Sit With An Elder And Offer Tobacco Before Asking For A Teaching Or Story
Cultural Tip: Wisdom Comes When You Listen More Than You Speak Especially In The Presence Of Elders
Cree: Êkwa
Anishinaabemowin: Dabaadendiziwin
Humility (Dabaadendiziwin in Anishinaabemowin, Êkwa in Cree) means recognizing that no one being is greater than another, and that we are all part of a Sacred circle of Life. Humility is about understanding that your Gifts are no more or less important than anyone else’s.
To walk with Humility means:
Listening more than speaking
Serving the Community without seeking reward or recognition
Admitting mistakes and remaining Teachable
Recognizing that you are a part of Creation, not above it
Humility is the foundation of Respect and is practiced every day, not just in Ceremony.
The Wolf is the symbol of Humility because:
Wolves live in packs and depend on one another for survival. No wolf puts itself above the others.
Each member has a role, and all roles are important from the alpha to the scout to the pup.
Wolves Teach their young, protect the weak, and share what they hunt.
Wolves show that true Strength comes from knowing your place and Purpose within a collective, and Honouring the needs of the group as much as your own.
A young wolf once believed he was faster, smarter, and stronger than the rest of his pack. Tired of sharing, he left them behind, declaring, “I will hunt for myself. I need no one.”
At first, he did well catching rabbits, sleeping wherever he liked. But winter came. Prey grew scarce. His paws ached from walking alone. One night, he howled, not to mark territory, but from hunger and sorrow.
Then, a familiar sound answered. It was his pack’s howl in the distance. They had never stopped searching. The alpha approached, not with anger, but with calm. “Your gifts are real,” he said. “But so are ours. Return to your place.”
The young wolf bowed his head, not in shame, but in gratitude. He had learned that greatness is not measured by standing apart, but by knowing when to stand together.
Humility is not weakness, it is wisdom.
Everyone has strengths, but no one thrives alone.
It takes courage to return and say, “I still have much to learn.”
“The Wolf teaches us that even the Leader eats last, and the youngest are fed first. To be Humble is to lead by serving.”
Explanation: Humility Is Knowing You Are No Greater And No Less Than Any Other Being
Affirmation: I Will Walk With Humility And Honor The Gifts Of Others
Call To Action: Serve Without Seeking Praise Let Go Of Ego And Stay Teachable
Prayer: Creator Help Me To Step Aside From Pride And Walk Softly In Your Presence
Ceremony: Spend Time In Nature Alone Listen Observe And Learn Without Interference
Cultural Tip: Humility Is Reflected In Actions Not Boasting Or Dominating Conversations
Cree: Tâpwêwin
Anishinaabemowin: Debwewin
Truth (Debwewin in Anishinaabemowin, Tâpwêwin in Cree) is the teaching that holds all the other six teachings together. To walk in truth means to live all the Teachings-Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom and Humility consistently and sincerely.
Truth is how you live. It is about authenticity, integrity, and balance. When you live in Truth, you are aligned in spirit, heart, mind and body.
Truth also means accepting who you are, where you come from, and the responsibilities you carry.
The Turtle is the symbol of Truth in many Anishinaabe and Cree teachings for several sacred reasons:
The Turtle carries the truth of the Earth on its back. The markings on its shell reflect the 13 moons of the lunar calendar and the 28 days between each moon.
It moves slowly but with Purpose, reminding us that Truth is not rushed. It is lived over time, not just spoken in moments.
The Turtle is one of the oldest beings on Earth, carrying the memory of Creation. In many origin stories, Turtle Island is the land we now call North America.
The Turtle teaches that Truth is timeless, steady and always present, even if others do not see it.
Long ago, the World was noisy. People hurried, argued, and made decisions without thinking. Each day they asked the spirits, “Why do we feel lost?” The spirits sent no answer.
But down by the water, an old Turtle watched. It listened to the wind. It followed the moon. It moved when the time was right. One day, a child sat beside the Turtle and said, “Everyone is searching. What do you know?”
The Turtle replied slowly, “I do not know everything. But I know what is true.”
“What is true?” asked the child.
“The moon returns. The water flows. The Earth turns. The breath comes in and out. Truth is not what people say it is what never changes.”
The child returned to the village and began to watch, to listen, and to walk more slowly. Others followed. In time, the people stopped shouting and began living in rhythm again. They had remembered Truth, not through answers, but through observation and patience.
Truth is found in nature, in patterns that do not lie.
You do not chase Truth, you live it.
Sometimes, the slowest way is the wisest path.
“The Turtle reminds us that Truth is not always loud or fast. It lives in quiet, steady ways, in cycles, in seasons and in the spaces between words.”
Explanation: Truth Is To Know All Teachings Are Connected And To Live Them Fully
Affirmation: I Will Live My Truth And Honour The Truths Of Others
Call To Action: Walk In Balance Live The Teachings And Speak Truth Even When It Is Hard
Prayer: Creator Let Me Live A Life Of Integrity And Be A Voice For Truth In This World
Ceremony: Create A Circle With Seven Stones Each Representing A Teaching And Sit In Reflection On Truth
Cultural Tip: Truth Is Not Just Spoken It Is Lived Daily Through Choices And Relationships