The Seven Sacred Teachings
Almost all indigenous people follow some form of the Seven Sacred Teachings. They can also apply to every culture as simple but profound teachings on human conduct. It is a practice. You cannot practice one without the other.
Mitho-pimatisiwin is a comprehensive philosophy shared by several Indigenous peoples in North America. My ancestors called it, living a good life where balancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is important. A relationship with the land is a key element for living a good life. Truly understanding and respecting that everything is truly connected in ways we are starting to understand and in ways we haven't discovered yet.
The generative art images were created with assistance from Dall-E by openAI. Using natural language descriptions and a little post processing by me these “ideas” are not final pieces of art, but more of a roadmap for iterative creativity.
The generative art images were created with assistance from Dall-E by openAI. Using natural language descriptions and a little post processing by me these “ideas” are not final pieces of art, but more of a roadmap for iterative creativity.
Truth
The Turtle carries truth. The turtle has been able to adapt to change without changing; thus he represents truth. He also represents time. His shell has thirteen big plates, symbolizing the thirteen moons in one year.
Courage
The Bear is courage. It teaches us the ability to face danger, fear, or changes with confidence and bravery. The Bear provides many lessons in the way it lives, but courage is the most important teaching it offers.
Humility
The Wolf carries humility. Central to the wolf is the family pack. To ensure survival, the pack must be as one. In the wolf pack, each member understands his individual role and in our individual lives humility becomes the factor. When you practice humility, you are able ask for guidance humbly instead of assuming you have all the answers.
Respect
The Buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. Its gifts provided everything for daily living. The people believed themselves to be true caretakers of the great herds, and developed a sustainable relationship with the Buffalo resulting in a relationship that was a true expression of respect.
Honesty
Kitch-Sabe (Sasquatch) walked among the people to remind them to be honest to the laws of the Creator and honest to each other. The Elders say, "Never try to be someone else; live true to your spirit, be honest to yourself and accept who you are the way the Creator made you."
Kitch-Sabe (Sasquatch) walked among the people to remind them to be honest to the laws of the Creator and honest to each other. The Elders say, "Never try to be someone else; live true to your spirit, be honest to yourself and accept who you are the way the Creator made you."
Wisdom
The Beaver carries wisdom. Wisdom is not to be confused with knowledge. Wisdom is the gained experience and knowledge to know the difference, make decisions and accept responsibility and accountability for them.
The building of a community is entirely dependent on gifts given to each member by the Creator and how these gifts are used. The Beaver's example of using his gifts to build dams and lodges and engineer ecosystems for other life expresses this teaching.
The building of a community is entirely dependent on gifts given to each member by the Creator and how these gifts are used. The Beaver's example of using his gifts to build dams and lodges and engineer ecosystems for other life expresses this teaching.
Love
Love is the gift from the Eagle. Love is a force that is undeniable. With love all things are possible and it is understood that if one cannot love oneself, it is impossible to love anyone else.
To feel true love is to know the Creator. And so, it is also the most elusive of the all the teachings. It depends upon accepting the importance of spirituality.
To feel true love is to know the Creator. And so, it is also the most elusive of the all the teachings. It depends upon accepting the importance of spirituality.
