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.