Respect, represented by the Buffalo (bison), is a sacred teaching explored in this Miywasin Moment series.--Series art created by JoLynn Parenteau
“The Elders were wise. They knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; they knew that lack of respect for growing, living things, soon led to lack of respect for humans, too.”
– Luther Standing Bear, Sicanga and Oglala Lakota author, educator, philosopher, and actor, 1868-1939
Long ago, our Elders say the Creator gave a great gift to the first caretakers of Turtle Island (Native North America): the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
In this series, the Miywasin Moment explores these Seven Sacred Teachings. Also called the Seven Sacred Laws or Tipi Teachings in other parts of Turtle Island, these are values passed down from our Ancestors.
Indigenous ways of knowing are built upon these seven natural laws, each upholding a virtue necessary to an honourable and balanced life. The tipi poles that form the structure of this traditional home each represent a value.
In this fifth series instalment, as we approach Earth Day on April 22, let us seek to better understand the Sacred Teaching of Respect as it relates to the land, waters and skies. In the Blackfoot language, Respect is iniiyimm. In Cree, it is kihceyihtakwan. In Michif, miyootootow. Though our words differ, the understood importance of caring for our world is the same.
The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness at Sagkeeng First Nation in Pine Falls, Man. is a place for reconnecting to the Earth and sharing Indigenous ancestral knowledge, founded on the Seven Sacred Laws. The Turtle Lodge offers children, youth, adults and Elders the opportunity to come together in a sacred environment for traditional teachings, ceremony, healing and the sharing of the perspectives of the original Peoples of Turtle Island on mino-pimatisiwin, ‘a good and peaceful way of life’.
In 2021, Turtle Lodge supported Indigenous filmmaker Erica Daniels of Peguis First Nation and the respected late writer and Anishinaabe Elder Dr. David Courchene, also named Nitamabit (The Original Way and One who Sits in Front) Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man) to produce a series of animated YouTube videos about the Seven Sacred Laws.
Each sacred teaching is represented by an animal, “offering a special understanding of how we as people should live our lives on Mother Earth,” taught Elder Courchene.
“The animals that represent the Seven Sacred Laws ensure that we have a close relationship with the land and an alliance with nature.”
The series’ second episode returns to the young Anishinaabe boy who is on a vision quest. On his fourth night alone in the wilderness, he is startled by the spirit of the Buffalo appearing in the sacred fire, who teaches him the Law of Respect.
“Grandfather Buffalo stands on guard to remind us of the Law of Respect; to respect the land and all life on Mother Earth,” shares Elder Courchene in the video series. “Respect is to be giving and sharing, following the example of the buffalo who gave its whole being for the life of the people.”
In Anishinaabemowin, the Ojibwe language, the buffalo is mashkode-bizhiki. Anishinaabemowin means ‘the language of the good person’. In Blackfoot, the Bison is iinii, very close to the word for Respect, iniiyimm.
North Dakota wellbriety program Tribal Community Prevention’s Seven Sacred Teachings guide tells us that “the animal world taught man how to live close to the earth; the connection that has been established between the animal world and that of man has instilled a respect for all life in those who follow the traditional way.
“The Buffalo, through giving its life and sharing every part of its being, showed the deep respect it had for the people. No animal was more important to the existence of Indigenous families than this animal, and its gift provided shelter, clothing and utensils for daily living,” teaches the Guide. “Native people believed themselves to be true caretakers of the great herds, and developed a sustainable relationship with the Buffalo resulting in a relationship that was a true expression of respect.”
On April 25, the Metis Nation of Alberta is hosting a Sustainability for Beginners webinar as part of their Environment and Climate Change Speaker Spotlight. Registration is free and open to all via Eventbrite.ca.
This Earth Day, may we renew our commitment to respecting the land that has given us shelter and nourishment through all the generations that have come before us, and must be sustained so it may continue to do so.
JoLynn Parenteau is a Metis writer out of Miywasin Friendship Centre. Column feedback can be sent to jolynn.parenteau@gmail.com
