The seven grandfather teachings

Guiding principles from the past

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a set of Anishinaabe guiding principles passed down through generations. These teachings guide individuals to live a good life in peace and harmony. Many Indigenous organizations and communities have adopted these teachings as a moral and cultural foundation, adapting them to suit their community values while upholding the core concepts of respect for all living things.

At Giizhik Justice Solutions, we integrate these teachings into our advocacy and restorative justice work, fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, and equity.

The seven teachings

The Creator entrusted the Seven Grandfathers with the task of watching over the Anishinaabe people. They sent a Messenger to find someone to share Anishinaabe values. After a seven-year journey around the Earth, a young boy returned with seven teachings to share: love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom.

• Debwewin (Truth): To speak only to the extent we have lived or experienced. Represented by the turtle, carrying the teachings of life.
• Dabasendiziwin (Humility): To think lower of oneself in relation to all that sustains us. Represented by the wolf, who lives for the pack.
• Manaaji’idiwin (Respect): To go easy on one another and all of Creation. Represented by the buffalo, who gives every part of his being.
• Zaagi’idiwin (Love): Unconditional love between one another, including all of Creation. Represented by the eagle, who carries all the teachings.
• Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty): To live correctly and with virtue. Represented by the raven or the sabe, who understand themselves.
• Zoongide’ewin (Bravery): To live with a solid, strong heart. Represented by the bear, who faces life's challenges.
• Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom): To live with vision. Represented by the beaver, who uses his gifts for his family's survival.