SEVEN SACRED
First Nations people have survived by following their ancient philosophy of life, since time immemorial. This philosophy helps all living beings to remain connected to the Great Spirit, our Mother the Earth, and to each other. These Seven Teachings Of Inspiration exist to maintain the sacredness of life, and to ensure survival as living beings on this Earth. They remind us that we are all one - we are all connected - regardless of racial, cultural, religious, socio-economic, or political background. For First Nations people, there are Seven Sacred Teachings Of inspiration, which also form the foundation of the work at The Turtle Lodge. First Nations people believe that watching the animals in the natural world helps us to better understand the Seven Sacred Teachings. We give credit to Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Dave Courchene Jr.), an Anishnabe (Ojibway) Elder, for earning and sharing these Seven Sacred Teachings with us.
The Eagle - LOVE     The First Peoples of Turtle Island (North America) were to always carry out actions in LOVE. To feel true love is to know the Creator. One's first love is to be the Great Spirit. You express love for the Great Spirit by loving yourself and how the Great Spirit made you. Only then can you truly love others. Children are to be loved, for children are gifts from the Great Spirit. The Buffalo- RESPECT First Nations people were told to always RESPECT all life on Mother Earth. To show real respect is to share and give of yourself for the benefit of all life. Respect the Elders from all races of people who uphold the sacred teachings of the Great Spirit. The Bear - COURAGE     To have COURAGE is to have the mental and moral strength to listen to the heart. It takes courage to do what is morally right. First Nations people were told to be proud of who they are and never to deny the way of life the Great Spirit gave to them. The Sabe (Sasquatch) - HONESTY To be HONEST with yourself is to live in the spirit of how you were created. Never lie or gossip about each other. The more honest you are the bigger you become as a person. The Beaver - WISDOM     To live in wisdom is to know that the Great Spirit gave everyone special gifts. Showing wisdom is using your gifts to build a peaceful and healthy family and community. When we know and use our gifts, we become an instrument of the Great Spirit, helping to bring peace to the world. The Wolf- HUMILITY Always carry out actions in HUMILITY. Think of your family, your fellow human beings and your community before you think of yourself. To know humility is to understand that you are not more or less important than anyone else. Being humble is surrendering to the Great Spirit, who has created and who directs all life. The Turtle - TRUTH     Always seek the TRUTH. The truth lies in spirit. Prayer was to be done every day at sunrise to give thanks to the Great Spirit for the gift of life. Each of the gifts and ceremonies were given by the Great Spirit to the Original human beings to help them find the truth and the true meaning of their life on Earth. Living the truth is living the Seven Sacred Teachings, living from the heart.