The Seven Teachings

This blog excerpt was taken from our store: Westport Trading Post. To read the entire article please click here.

The Seven Teachings, also known as the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers, have great significance among Anishinaabe peoples. Passed down from elders in the oral tradition of storytelling, the legend tells of Seven Grandfather Spirits who were guardians to the people. Observing the challenges and hardships humans suffered, each Grandfather chose to send a gift to their people on Earth. The gifts were the Seven Teachings, spiritual principles for people to live in harmony with the Earth and more peaceably with each other.

Each teaching is symbolized by an animal spirit:

WISDOM	Beaver
LOVE	Eagle
RESPECT	Buffalo
COURAGE	Bear
HONESTY	Sabe
HUMILITY	Wolf
TRUTH	Turtle

The Seven Grandfather Teachings have held spiritual significance for centuries, and remain a guiding and healing force in contemporary Indigenous society.

Books, journals, and stationery are just a few of the beautiful products that have been inspired by themes of the Seven Teachings:

The Seven Grandfathers Teachings Book

A child’s fascinating introduction to the Seven Teachings mythology with vibrant full-colour illustrations, large print for early readers, and detailed descriptions of each animal spirit and their special meaning for humanity. This 8.5" x 11" hardcover book captures the spirit of the Anishinaabe legend for children in a truly powerful way. Designed and published by Native Reflections Inc. (now known as Indigenous Reflections). Printed in Canada.

Indigenous Reflections is Indigenous-owned business in Manitoba, Canada. Their vision is to produce high quality, culturally appropriate Indigenous products for schools, organizations, and communities.

Seven Sacred Teachings Greeting Cards

A collection of 14 greeting cards with illustrations by Jackie Traverse, based on the sacred animals of the Seven Teachings. Cards come in a variety of colours, two cards per design, and are blank on the inside for your personal message. Printed in Canada on recycled paper.

About the Artist: Jackie Traverse is a multi-disciplinary Anishinaabe artist. Much of her work reflects a combination of popular and traditional cultural influences. She works in many mediums, including oil and acrylic paint, mixed media, sculpture, and stop-motion animation. She lives in Winnipeg, where she works and teaches art and is devoted to her community.

Greeting cards are designed and printed by Canadian Art Prints & Winn Devon Art Group in British Columbia, Canada. The cards feature authentic Indigenous art and the artist is paid a royalty for the sale.

Seven Teachings Puppet Set

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