Seven Grandfather Teachings

(as taught by Larry Stillday, quotes by Larry Stillday)

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Love (Zaagi'idiwin)

Represented by Migizi, the Bald Eagle, The eagle in Anishinaabe creation stories, was a savior for man by showing his love for them before the Great Spirit. Migizi is the one animal who can reach the highest in bringing vision to the seeker. Migizi values are divine spirit, clear vision, great healing powers, courage, sacrifice, and connection to the Creator.

The Ojibwe word for Love is:

Zaagi’idiwin

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

(“aa” is like the “a” in saw)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Zaw gi i di win

Emphasize the highlighted di

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Respect (Manaaji'idiwin)

Represented by the Mashkode-Bizhiki, the Buffalo. Every part of the buffalo provided Native People's with some valuable tools for life; shelter, clothing, food, utensils, and even fuel for fire (its dung). "Through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, shows the deep respect it has for people." Bizhiki teaches us we must respect all life and interconnectedness between us all.

The Ojibwe word for Respect is:

Manaaji’idiwin

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

(a is a short “u” like the “u” in sun)

(“aa” is like the “a” in saw)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Muh naw ji i di win

Emphasize the highlighted di

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Courage/Bravery (Zoonide'iwin)

Represented by Makwa, the Black Bear. In its home, the bear shows us the spirit of courage. The bear is a gentle creature but threaten its cub and it becomes fearless in its defense. The virtues taught by makwa are power, industriousness, instinctive healing, gentle strength, introspection, and dreams. The bear is closely connected to the Grand Medicine Society (Midewiwin) as a teacher. Midewiwin members are said to "follow the bear path." Because of his claws which are good for digging, the bear pays attention to healing herbs that many other animals pass up.

The Ojibwe word for Bravery/Courage is:

Zoonide’iwin

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Zoon i day i win

Emphasize the highlighted day

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Honesty (Gwayakowaakiziwin)

Represented by Missabe, the Wilderness Man or Bigfoot. Misaabe is honesty and innocence. "The Elders say, 'never try to be someone else: live true to your spirit, be honest to yourself, accept who you are and the way the Great Spirit made you. '"

The Ojibwe word for Honesty is:

Gwayakowaadiziwin

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

(a is a short “u” like the “u” in sun)

(“aa” is like the “a” in saw)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Gway a ko wah di zi win

Emphasize the highlighted di

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Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin)

Represented by Amik, the Beaver. "To know and understand wisdom is to know that the Great Spirit gave everyone special gifts to be used to build a peaceful and healthy community...it uses his sharp teeth for cutting trees and branches, a special gift he received from the Great Spirit."

The Ojibwe word for Wisdom is:

Nibwaakaawin

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

(“aa” is like the “a” in saw)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Ni Bwah kaw win

Emphasize the highlight

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Humility (Debandediziwin)

Represented by Ma-iingan, the Wolf. The wolf represents: loyalty, perseverance, courage, stability, teacher and intuition. Practicing humbleness means we always consider our fellow humans before ourselves. In the natural world, the wolf expresses this humbleness in great clarity. "The wolf bows his head not out of fear but out of humbleness, he humbles himself in our presence." A wolf that has hunted food will take the food back to the den to eat with the pack before he takes the first bite or he regurgitates all he has for his pups."

The Ojibwe word for Humility is:

Debandediziwin

(e sounds like the “ay” in day)

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

 (a is a short “u” like the “u” in sun)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Day bun day di zi win

Emphasize the highlight

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Truth (Debwewin)

Represented by Mikinaak, the Snapping Turtle. When the Great Spirit gave the Anishinaabe these laws, the turtle was present to ensure that the laws would never be forgotten or lost. There are 13 markings on the back of the turtle to denote the 13 moons which represent the truth of one cycle on the earth's rotation around the sun. There are also 28 markings on mikinaak's back to denote one cycle of the moon around the earth. These signs are evidence of the truth which the turtle represents. The turtle represents; self-containment, Mother Earth (Gidakiiminaani), and knowledge.

The Ojibwe word for Truth is:

Debwewin

(e sounds like the “ay” in day)

(single “i” like the “i” in sit)

 

Phonetic Pronunciation

Day bway win

Emphasize the highlight

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