The Seven Teachings are an Indigenous worldview shared by the Ojibway people of North America. According to the Ojibway, the Seven Teachings are a set of traditions passed on from generation to the next as a set of values on how to live one’s life. The Seven Teachings are represented by certain animals. The Creator chooses each animal to embody the teachings and signify the value of each teaching.
The Eagle represents love. Eagles fly the closest to the Creator; therefore, they are able to carry messages and prayers to Thee. Eagles fiercely love their young and protect and raise them with great care. Love is the tie that binds us together to one another, animal life, and our planet. The Eagle spirit is strong and often flies alone surfing the winds and currents of life on their own. To see an Eagle is a great blessing; it is the Ojibway tradition to thank the Creator for such a blessing, offer tobacco, and say a prayer to the Eagle’s spirit when you see them.
The Bear represents the teaching of courage. You need to have courage to say and do the right thing in life. Not following the crowd and choosing to do what is right takes courage. You can call on the Bear spirit when you are in need of courage and strength. Mother Bears are known to be protective and willing to risk their own lives for the sake of their children. I encourage you to be like a Mother Bear.
Act in the best interest of our fellow humans and animal life by doing what is right in helping others and possessing the courage to stand alone.
The Beaver teaches wisdom. We have all been brought to this planet with gifts to share. When you learn how to use your gifts with and for others, you are honoring yourself and Creator. Beavers are great builders and the keystone species in their environments. A wise person realizes that their actions impact all of life. We are connected; learn to share your gifts while you still are on this earth.
The Wolf is the representation of humility. Wolves live in packs and work together for the betterment of the pack. Wolves, to their young, love and care for them and only mate once. The Wolf teaches human beings that we must think of others and serve Creator throughout our life’s work. When we learn to treat others with love, respect, and dignity whether or not a person is deserving of our love, we are truly humble. Humility is not thinking less of you; it is thinking more of others.
The Buffalo is the teacher of respect. Over 60 million buffalo were slaughtered throughout North America and almost became extinct within the 20th century. Buffalo were used by Native peoples for food, shelter, tools, and medicine. Native people had a respectful relationship with the Buffalo because they depended upon the Buffalo for life. We must teach children to respect themselves, their parents, elders, peers, neighbors, teachers, and animal and plant life. In order to truly love something, you must respect the very person or thing you love. You show respect by allowing people to be who they are and respect their way of life.
Sabe (Big Foot) shares the teaching of honesty. We must be honest with ourselves and we must be honest about our desires, wants and needs. There is no way a person can be honest with another human being if we are not honest with ourselves. It is not true to our spirit to use drugs and alcohol; drugs and alcohol play tricks on our mind, body and spirit. It is not easy to be honest at all times; however, when we are honest, we are living the way Creator intended us to live.
The Turtle represents truth and truth is all of the Seven Teachings. We are living in truth when we are loving, courageous, wise, humble, respectful and honest. Elders say, to live a truthful life is to live a good life. When we are living all of the seven teachings we are true to our spirit and life’s purpose. Every single one of us was brought to this planet to make life better for the next generation. We are all interconnected and we need to look out for each another; humans and animals, alike.
