Grandfather Teachings

The buffalo represents respect. The buffalo gives every part of it’s being to sustain human life, not because it is of less value, but because it respects the balance and needs of others. To honour all creation is to have respect. We must share what we do not need and treat others the way we wish to be treated.

The eagle represents love because it has the strength to carry all the teachings. The eagle has the ability to fly closest to the creator and the sight to see all ways of being. The eagle’s feather is the highest honour and a sacred gift.

The beaver represents wisdom. It uses it’s natural gifts wisely & alters it’s environment in a sustainable manner. To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom. This Grandfather teaching reminds us to recognize differences in a kind and respectful way and continuously observe the life of all things to allow ourselves to learn.

The bear represents bravery. A mother bear is fierce protecting her young who are facing the challenges of life. This Grandfather teaching reminds us to find our inner strength to face difficulties and find the courage to be ourselves.

The turtle represents truth. The turtle lives life in a slow and meticulous way, because it understands the importance of both the journey and the destination. This Grandfather teaching reminds us to put faith firsts, trust in our teachings, and be true to others and ourselves.

The raven represents honesty. A raven accepts itself and knows how to use it’s gifts. The raven does not seek power, but rather uses what it has been given to survive and thrive.

The wolf represents humility. In nature, the wolf lives selflessly for it’s pack. This Grandfather teaching reminds us to find balance within all living things and ourselves. We must respect our place and praise the accomplishments of others.

The rock represents forgiveness. The eighth Grandfather teaching is unique to the Treaty Three Anishinaabe Territory.

The Elders of our territory recognized that in Anishinaabe culture everything comes in even numbers. From the creation of life, to the seasons, to the songs of the Pow Wow ‐ all numbers are even. A ceremony revealed the final Grandfather teaching of forgiveness represented by the rock.

The rock or “assin” carries history and ancestry. It has witnessed change in weather, people, and animals since creation. Rocks have the power to heal and forgiveness has the power to heal. Rocks in the Anishinaabe culture help cleanse and take illness away ‐ physically, emotionally and mentally.

This Grandfather teaching reminds us that it is better to forgive and move forward than to fill our pockets with the heavy weights of resentment as we journey forth.