We as Anishinaabeg need...to recover our knowledge and recover ourselves...Held deep in our memories, our DNA, is a magic and a beauty ...For many of us the process of recivilizing, making us reform to the dominant society-...has fragmented our psyches, our essence. Today we are in the process of remembering. And we know it is true that only through ceremony, language, feasting, dancing, and listening will we recover ourselves. The retelling of these stories nurtures that process.

Winona LaDuke, 2002

The teaching of history among our people was given to everyone. Only a select few, however, were privy to sacred teaching, and throughout our recent documented history, this is the information which has been absent. The elders were very careful in the sharing of this kind of information... there are spiritual laws which govern the use of the smudge: it is used only when there are important issues to be discussed, the issues cannot be of a negative nature, and spiritual guidance is asked for so that all that will be discussed will be treated with the highest regard for honesty...

Wilton Goodstriker, Kainai, 1996

Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.

John F. Kennedy, (1917 - 1963)

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.

Albert Einstein, (1879 - 1955)

Traditional Knowledge and Education

Philosopher Francis Bacon (1561- 1626) equated knowledge with power - "knowledge and human power come to the same thing, for nature cannot be conquered except by obeying her."... In so many ways this approach to knowledge and to power is very different from that within Indigenous societies.

Knowledge to a Native person, cannot be accumulated like money stored in a bank, rather it is an ongoing process better represented by the activity of coming-to-knowing than by a static noun. Each person who grows up in traditional Native American society must pass through the process of coming-to-knowing, which, in turn, gives him or her access to a certain sort of power, not necessarily power in the personal sense, but in the way a person can come into relationship with the energies and animating spirits of the universe.

Knowledge, within a traditional society, is not the stuff of books, but the stuff of life.

Peat, David. Blackfoot Physics. 2002.

Seven Grandfather Teachings - Ethics and standards for work of Karen J. Pheasant

Niizhwaaswi Mishomis Kinoomaagewinawaan

1. Nibwaakaawin - Wisdom

Life presents experiences that bring joy, but sometimes they test our patience and challenge our being, conscious and unconsciously. It is these experiences that brings us lesson on life, to nurture our Wisdom and apply this to our daily day to day life.

2. Zaagidwin - Love

To live and give the gift of unconditional love and devotion to all community members and relatives.

There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diverse.
-Michael De Montaigne, Essays

3. Maanaadjitowaawin - Respect

Each being, human and non-human is are placed upon the earth as the Creator's children; each one must act with consideration and courtesy to one another regardless of one's past and background.

4. Aakodewin - Bravery

To be aware and conscious of one's deepest discipline to face the most challenging times and accomplish your path in life.

5. Gwekowaadiziwin - Honesty

The quality of having integrity to thoughts, actions and emotions in one's life.

6. Diibaadendizowin - Humility To be conscious of an ethical code in regards to modesty in dress, speech, or conduct

7. Debwewin - Truth

Eternity is a dimension of here and now. The divine lives within you. Live from your own center. Your real duty is to go away from the community to find your bliss. The society is the enemy when it imposes its structures on the individual...Breaking out is following your bliss pattern, quitting the old place, starting your hero journey, following your bliss.

-- Joseph Campbell, Reflections on the Art of Living

The motive of the storyteller should be to put the story first. To speak with authenticity and veracity is to choose narrative over commentary. It is not to glorify or sentimentalize the past. It is not to sanitize our differences, not to rail against or to seek compensation today for injustices of bygone times...We all know the struggle for victory, the dreams and the lost hopes, the pride and the shame. When we tell our stories, we look in the mirror. I believe what we will see...is not lacking in heroes. Rather, the heroes are to be found within.

Denise Chong, April 19, 1995

Soon there will be many books that will tell of our ways and perhaps will shame even those who think us inferior, only because we are different. To those who believe in the power of the written word, these books will proclaim our cultural worth...then we will prosper in all things...this is how the void will be filled between the old and the new ways.

Chief Dan George, Co-Salish (1899 - 1981)

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."

Buddha quotes (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

Traditional Knowledge and Education

Seven Grandfather Teachings - Ethics and standards for work of Karen J. Pheasant

Navigation Menu