First Teaching- Love (Zaagi'idiwin)   Eagle (Migizi)

     The Elders say when Aki (Mother Earth) was young and the Anishinaabe lived here alone, the people stopped offering asemaa (tobacco) in their pipes and in the sacred fire with good hearts.

     The tobacco was used as an offering to Gichi-Manidoo (Great Creator). The smoke from the tobacco carries the words and thoughts up to Migizi and in turn he carries them to Gichi-Manidoo.

     The Migizi knew of the Creator's plans for the Anishinaabe and because of his love for them he flew to Gichi-Manidoo and asked him to let the people live. The Creator told him, "If you can find one person who is using asemaaa in a good way, I will let the Anishinaabe live."

     The eagle flew for a long time before he found an Ogichidaa (a warrior, either man or woman) using asemaa with a good heart in the sacred fire as an offering to the Creator. He flew to the Creator with the report of his findings. Gichi-Manidoo told the Migizi he would continue to let the Anishinaabe live if he could report to him each day that there was at least one person offering asemaa with a good heart. Because the Migizi had a great zaagi'idiwin (love) for the Anishinaabe, he agreed to do this.

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Second Teaching- Respect (Minaaji'idiwin)  Buffalo (Mushkode-Bizhiki)

      The Elders say that a long time ago, when the mushkode-bizhiki roamed North America, they had a great respect for the Anishinaabe people. They had so much minaajai'idiwin that they gave up their lives for the Anishinaabe, so that people could live. In return, the Anishinaabe respected the mushkode-bizhiki and were careful not to misuse or waste any of the gifts they were given by them. All gifts were used respectfully for ceremonies, food, clothing, and lodging.

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Third Teaching - Courage (Zoongide'iwin)  Bear (Makwa)

     The elders say, because of the makwa (bears) bravery and strong desire to protect their family and themselves, he represents zoongide'iwin (courage).

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Fourth Teaching- Honesty (Gwayakowaadiziwin)  Big Foot (Misaabe)

     The elders say the Misaabe is Big Foot. The Misaabe lives in the forest and is hardly ever seen. When people go into the woods and offer assema with a good heart, he is there to help them if they are gathering medicine or praying. He also helps people who are lost find their way back. He represents gwaykowaadiziwin. It is said that honesty is one of the greatest qualities that a person can have.

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Fifth Teaching- Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin) Beaver (Amik)

     The elders say amik represents wisdom because he has taught Anishinaabe about family. Amikwag (Beavers) raise their children to be good workers, to take care of their bodies (cleaning themselves and their lodges), and to value extended family. Amik has the capability to change the surroundings to benefit not only himself, but to create a welcoming environment for other animals.

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Sixth Teaching- Humility (Debandediziwin) Wolf (Ma'iingan)

     The elders say ma'iingan (wolf) represents debandediziwin (humility). A family of ma'iinganag (wolves) is called a pack. The other wolves are required to humble themselves to the leader for the survival of the young and themselves. The ma'iingan reminds us of the circle of life in a humble way, that we are all created equal, and we all have gifts to offer.

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Seventh Teaching- Truth (Debwewin) Turtle (Mikinaak)

      The Anishinaabe were given the gift of truth after all the other teachings were understood. Prayer was to be done every day at sunrise to give thanksgiving to the Great Spirit for the gift of life. All gifts and each ceremony were given by the Great Spirit to the Anishinaabeg to help them find truth, the true meaning of their life, and existence. Living truth is living the seven great laws.

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