The Seven Grandfathers, who are very wise, are responsible for watching over the people. The grandfathers visited a man and was told, âBring back someone who we can tell about what life should beâ He left immediately and went to all places in the North, South, West and East. He could not find anyone. On his seventh try, while he was visiting his son, he saw a baby. The man brought his son and grandson back to The Grandfathers. The Grandfathers were happy with the choice made by their helper.
He took the baby back to where the Grandfathers were sitting in a circle. He was still very small and still wrapped inside the cradleboard. One of the grandfathers looked at the baby very carefully. âThis is the one. Messenger, pick up the baby. Take him all over; teach him carefully the way the People should lead their lives.â The Messenger took him; they went around the earth.
When they came back seven years later, the boy again saw the Grandfathers. He was already a young man. The Grandfathers noticed that this boy was very honest. He understood everything that was taught. One of the grandfathers took a drum and started singing. Each of the grandfathers gave the boy a teaching. âThese are the ones you take with you,â he was told.
NibwaakaawinâWisdom: To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people. In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only âwisdom,â but also means âprudence,â or âintelligence.â
ZaagiâidiwinâLove: To know Love is to know peace. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most. In the Anishinaabe language, this word with the reciprocal theme indicates that this form of love is mutual.
MinaadendamowinâRespect: To honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.
AakodeâewinâBravery: Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally means âstate of having a fearless heart.â To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.
GwayakwaadiziwinâHonesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean ârighteousness.â
DabaadendiziwinâHumility: Humility is to know yourself as a part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean âcompassion.â You are equal to others, but you are not better.
DebwewinâTruth: Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.
The boy, because of all the time spent with the Grandfathers, was now an old man. The old man gathered all the people around and told them of his journey to the seven grandfatherâs lodge. He explained how to use the gifts and that it was now up to the people to try to follow the path of a good and healthy life using the seven grandfatherâs teachings.
They told him each of these teachings must be with the rest, you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth. You cannot be honest if you only use one or two of these, or if you leave out one. And to leave out one is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.
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