Source/Reference: School of Native Human Services, Field Education Manual NSWK 3605/NSWK 4605, 2009 (p. 14).
OJIWAY TRADITIONAL VALUES TEACHINGS OF THE SEVEN GRANDFATHERS
The Seven Gifts
1. Nbwaakaawin
To cherish Knowledge is to know
WISDOM.
2. Zaagidiwin
To know LOVE is to know peace.
3. Mnaadendiwin
To honour all of the Creation is to have RESPECT.
4. Aakde’win
BRAVERY is to face the foe with integrity.
5. Gwekwaadziwin
HONESTY is facing a situation is to be brave.
6. Dbadendizwin
HUMILITY is to know yourself as a sacred part of the Creation.
7. Debwewin
TRUTH is to know all of these things.
These are the teachings that were given to the Nishnaabe Nation.
“Remember that the other Nations were given teachings that are slightly different from these. But in all the teachings of different Nations there are commonalities. This sameness refers to the basic Truth that interweaves all natural ways of living.” (Benton-Banai, 1988)
The Medicine Wheel is an ancient symbol used to express and represent the meaning of the Four Sacred Directions which encompass all of the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, so that we can live in Harmony with all of the Creation.
In addition to the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the Canadian Association of Social Work Educators Code of Ethics and Obligations, the International Federation of Social Work Declaration of Ethical Principles of Social Work, and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers Code of Ethics apply.