The Seven Grandfather Teachings
- quinnillustrations
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
Guiding principles
Many Indigenous communities have adopted the Seven Grandfather Teachings as a moral steppingstone and cultural foundation. Communities have adapted the teachings to suit their community values. Despite where the teachings originated, they share the same concepts of abiding by moral respect for all living things. The Seven Grandfather Teachings are among the most widely shared Anishinaabe principles because they are relatable and encompass the kind of morals that humanity can aspire to live by. They offer ways to enrich one’s life while existing in peace and harmony with all of creation.
The story
The Creator gave spirits known as the Seven Grandfathers the responsibility to watch over the Anishinaabe people. The Grandfathers sent a Messenger down to earth to find someone to communicate Anishinaabe values. After searching in all directions, the Messenger found a baby. The Seven Grandfathers instructed the Messenger to take the baby around the Earth for seven years to learn the Anishinaabe way of life. After their return, the Grandfathers gave the baby, now a young boy, seven teachings to share with the Anishinaabe people; love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings
Debwewin (Truth) Represented by the turtle.
To speak only to the extent, we have lived or experienced. Commonly referred to as Truth. Truth is represented by the turtle as the turtle was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back.
Deb = to a certain extent
We = sound through speech
Win = a way it is done
Dabasendiziwin (Humility) Represented by the wolf.
To think lower of oneself in relation to all that sustains us. Commonly referred to as Humility. Humility is represented by the wolf. The wolf lives for his pack and the ultimate shame is to be an outcast.
Dabas = low or lower
End = pertaining to thought
Izi = state or condition
Win = a way it is done
Manaaji’idiwin (Respect) Represented by the buffalo.
To go easy on one another and all of Creation. Commonly referred to as Respect. Respect is represented by the buffalo. The buffalo gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living. The buffalo respects the balance and needs of others.
Manaaji = to go easy on someone
Idi = in a reciprocal way
Win = a way it is done
Zaagi’idiwin (Love) Represented by the eagle.
Unconditional love between one another including all of Creation, humans and non-humans. Commonly referred to as Love. The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all of the teachings.
Zaag = to emerge, come out or flow out
Idi = in a reciprocal way
Win = a way it is done
Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty) Represented by the raven or the sabe.
To live correctly and with virtue. Commonly referred to as Honesty. Honesty is represented by either the raven or the sabe. They both understand who they are and how to walk in their life.
Gwayak = correctly, straightly, and rightly
Aadizi = he/she lives
Win = a way it is done
Zoongide’ewin (Bravery) Represented by the bear.
To live with a solid, strong heart. Commonly referred to as Bravery or Courage. Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. To face life with courage is bravery.
Zoongi = solid, strong
De’e = a form of heart
Win = a way it is done
Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom) Represented by the beaver.
To live with vision. Commonly referred to as Wisdom. The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gift by altering the environment for his family’s survival.
Ni = the soul within
Waa = pertaining to sight
Kaa = an abundance
Win = a way it is done
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