COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Introduction to the guiding principles
Of all Indigenous teachings, the Seven Grandfathers Teachings are the most commonly shared from coast to coast. Many Aboriginal organizations and communities have adopted the 7 guiding principles, in one form or another, as a moral stepping stone and cultural foundation. Each community has adapted the teachings to suit their community values, this is why their interpretation and signification can differ from one community to the other. However, despite where the teachings may have originated, they share the same concepts of abiding by a moral respect for all living things.
Members of the First Nations community of practice in housing have chosen the Seven Elders Teachings as guiding principles to lead them towards the implementation and maintenance of positive interpersonal communications and of strong collaboration in order to improve and strengthen practices in the First Nations housing sector. Members of the community of practice who work in the First Nation’s housing sector use this virtual platform as a space to share ideas on an ongoing basis. They also work towards promoting new knowledge by sharing their skills and experience.To ensure that each member feels free to ask the questions he/she has in mind and to offer solutions or information that he/she believes to be useful to others, all members should remember the Seven Sacred Teachings received from the Elders when he/she is interacting on the virtual platform and in all his/her conversations with the other members of the community. The Seven Teachings foster constructive interactions that seek to bring about new solutions to challenges in housing and to support the mission of the community of practice and the work of its members. To be part of the community of practice, you must adhere to the following Seven Teachings and commit to apply them.
THE SEVEN GRANDFATHERS TEACHINGS
Humility
Humility: Humility is represented by the wolf, for the wolf life is lived for his pack and the ultimate shame is to be outcast. Humility is to know that you are a sacred part of creation.
Live life selflessly and not selfishly. Respect your place and carry your pride with your people and praise the accomplishments of all. Do not become arrogant and self-important. Find balance within yourself and all living things.
Honesty
Honesty: Honesty is represented by either the raven or a giant named Kitch-Sabe, who walked through the population long time ago to remind it to be honest towards the Creator, ouselves and our loved ones. They both understand who they are and how to walk in their life. Kitch-Sabe reminds us to be ourselves and not someone we are not. An honest person said to walk tall like Kitchi-sabe … Raven accepts himself and knows how to use his gift. He does not seek the power, speed or beauty of others. He uses what he has been given to survive and thrive. So must you. To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. Be honest with yourself, recognize and accept who you are. Accept and use the gifts you have been given. Do not seek to deceive yourself or others.
Bravery
Bravery: Bravery is represented by the bear. The mother bear has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. The bear also shows us how to live a balanced life with rest, survival and play.
To face life with courage is to know bravery. Find your inner strength to face the difficulties of life and the courage to be yourself. Defend what you believe in and what is right for your community, family and self. Make positive choices and have conviction in your decisions. Face your fears to allow yourself to live your life.
Wisdom
Wisdom: Wisdom is represented by the beaver because he uses his natural gift wisely for his survival. The beaver also alters his environment in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way for the benefit of his family. To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.
Use your inherent gifts wisely and live your life by them. Recognize your differences and those of others in a kind and respectful way. Continuously observe the life of all things around you. Listen with clarity and a sound mind. Respect your own limitations and those of all your surroundings. Allow yourself to learn and live by your wisdom.
Respect
Respect: Respect is represented by the moose. The moose gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of living, not because he is of less value, but because he respects the balance and needs of others. To honor all creation is to have respect.
Live honorably in teachings and in your actions towards all things. Do not waste and be mindful of the balance of all living things. Share and give away what you do not need. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Do not be hurtful to yourself or others.
Truth
Truth: Truth is represented by the turtle as he was here during creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back. The turtle lives life in a slow and meticulous manner, because he understands the importance of both the journey and the destination.
Truth is to know all of these things. Apply faith and trust in your teachings. Show honor and sincerity in all that you say and do. Understand your place in this life and apply that understanding in the way that you walk. Be true to yourself and all other things.
Love
Love: Love is represented by the eagle because he has the strength to carry all the teachings. The eagle has the ability to fly highest and closest to the Creator and also has the sight to see all the ways of being from great distances. The Eagle’s teaching of love can be found in the core of all teachings, therefore an eagle feather is considered the highest honor and a sacred gift. To know love is to know peace. View your inner-self from the perspective of all teachings. This is to know love and to love yourself fully. You will then be at peace with yourself, the balance of life, all things and also with the Creator.