Introduction to
The Seven Sacred/Grandfather Teachings
a two-week exploration
The Seven Sacred Teachings originate from the Seven Grandfather Teachings from the Anishinaabe people and have been adopted by many (but not all) First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. The teachings focus on the relationships we have with all of creation and offer suggestions for the ways people should treat others. The seven teachings include love, respect, honesty, courage/bravery, truth, wisdom, and humility and each teaching is represented by an animal. Each animal helps teach us how we can live our lives respecting animals, people, and the environment – every living thing. It should be noted that these teachings may differ slightly between groups or cultures.
This introduction to the Seven Sacred Teachings features nine mini lessons to complete over a two-week period. Each lesson includes discussion questions and a short activity. The final day includes some reflection questions for you to consider.
Begin your exploration by downloading the teacher’s guide and the student activity booklet by clicking on the buttons below.
Acknowledgement
Tammy Johnston, M.Ed of Birch Tree Educational Consulting Services provided content, expertise and perspective on this resource. Tammy is Manitoba Métis and now lives in Alberta. She has over 30 years of experience in the education field, and a love of nature and all animals.
Aimee Movold created the artwork for this resource. Aimee is an Indigenous artist, Cree from Samson Cree Nation and Métis from Fishing Lake. She grew up and currently lives in Devon, Alberta with her family. She draws inspiration from nature and storytelling. Aimee is passionate about learning and celebrating her culture to share with her kids and community.
The Alberta SPCA is grateful for their contribution to this resource.
Teacher's Guide & Student Activity Booklet
Click on the buttons below to download and print the teacher’s guide and the student activity booklet. The curriculum connections can be found at the back of the teacher’s guide. Note: The student activity booklet must be printed single sided.
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-6
Online Resources
Access all the online resources required to complete the two-week exploration by clicking the links below. Note: The resources are also linked in the teacher’s guide for easy access.
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-6
Google Slides
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Love
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Respect
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Honesty
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Honesty Situation
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Courage
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Wisdom
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Humility
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Truth
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Artwork
Videos
The Seven Sacred Teachings Video (8:28)
“7” – William Prince Song (4:15)
William Prince Live Video (5:36)
Websites
Google Slides
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Love
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Respect
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Honesty
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Courage
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Wisdom
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Humility
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Truth
The Seven Sacred Teachings – Artwork
Videos
The Seven Sacred Teachings Video (8:28)
“7” – William Prince Song (4:15)
William Prince Live Video (5:36)
Bison as Ecosystem Engineers Video (2:06)
Why Beavers Are The Smartest Thing in Fur Pants Video (4:58)
Websites
Additional Teacher Resources
Native Land – An interactive map of Indigenous territories, treaties and languages
Canadian Encyclopedia – Information on what an elder is and why they are significant
CBC Saskatchewan – A short video interview with a First Nations University of Canada professor who explains the importance of elders in community
Treaty Talk – Sharing the River of Life – a documentary (50:35) and educational tools for schools and communities
National Film Board – The Great Buffalo Sage – A documentary (55:53) on the history of bison in Alberta
CBC Kids – Information on what Turtle Island is and how it was created
Pass the Feather – Information on the value and protocols of a sharing circle
First Nations Pedagogy – Information on how to conduct a talking circle with your students
Empowering the Spirit – Teaching tools for the classroom, including talking circle protocol posters