Kanata: Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings
If ancient wisdom was actually applied in the present day, what a wonderful world it would be
Artist Tim Mohan created a series of artwork depicting these sacred Indigenous teachings in the hope that they will be embraced by all and put us on a path to a better future.
In a world filled with political and religious unrest; cultural and spiritual genocide, and a social media running out of control, I felt compelled to create a series of artworks that depict the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers.
These teachings are based on various Indigenous oral traditions, as well as the concepts of respect and sharing that are central to the Indigenous way of life. Each teaching focuses on a human value that is essential to leading a healthy, fulfilling life and which manifests in the form of an animal that has spiritual significance within Indigenous cultures. Each animal manifestation was sent as a messenger from the Creator to pass on one key principle to the very first Elder, who in turn passed the teachings down through the generations. In order to lead a meaningful life in harmony with nature and those around us, each of the seven teachings must be embraced and put into practice.
Last year, as Canada celebrated its 150th anniversary, I found myself wondering: Has anything really changed in all that time? Has Canada as a nation finally seen the light, come to terms with itself and found a way to bring past injustices and current realities into harmony?
It’s fair to say that some progress has been made, but so much remains to be done that it can be disheartening. I’ve always hoped change would come about quickly, and that the youth of today would have a world fuelled by love, mutual respect and prosperity. Overly idealistic? Perhaps. But it’s up to all of us to face the harsh realities of life, while maintaining our hope for a better world and acting upon that hope to effect meaningful change. The Grandfather Teachings chart a path to the attainment of such ideals.
To cherish knowledge is to know WISDOM
The beaver represents wisdom because he uses his natural gifts wisely and adapts his environment in a sustainable way for the benefit of his family.
One environment that is in dire need of change is The Highway of Tears—that lonely section of Yellowhead Highway 16 running from Prince Rupert on the northwest coast of B.C. to Prince George in the central interior. Twenty-three First Nations border Highway 16. The region is characterized by poverty and despair, and has become a focal point in the plight of the countless Indigenous women who have gone missing or were murdered in recent years—many along that very stretch of highway. Hope comes from the knowledge that at least some changes are being
made. For example, limited public transportation is now available in the area, reducing a dangerous—but necessary—dependency for many on hitchhiking to get around. Wisdom dictates that more change is essential.
To know peace is to know LOVE
The eagle represents love because he has the strength to carry all of the teachings, tremendous sight that allows him to see all ways of being, and the ability to fly high and be closest to the Creator. That’s why an eagle feather is seen as a sacred gift and is such an honour to receive.
For children of the infamous residential school system, knowing peace and finding love was impossible, and it remains so for many of today’s survivors. Hope comes in the form of frank dialogue and a willingness to address past wrongs. Wisdom dictates that past wrongs must be righted, not merely addressed. Only then will the eagle’s teachings be fully realized.
To honour all creation is to have RESPECT
The buffalo represents respect, because he gives every part of his being to sustain the human way of life—not because he is of less value, but because he respects balance and the needs of others.
You need look no
farther than the oilsands of Northern Alberta to see what happens when respect for the environment is lacking. The landscape is littered with “tailings ponds”—repositories for toxic sludge that threaten the health of local communities, water systems and all forms of wildlife. Thankfully, more and more people are speaking out. By spreading knowledge and showing respect for all creation, change will hopefully come.
To face the foe with integrity is BRAVERY
The bear represents bravery, especially the mother bear, who has the courage and strength to face her fears and challenges while protecting her young. The bear also shows us how to live a balanced life, which includes not only survival, but rest and play.
From the late 19th century to 1996, some 150,000 Aboriginal children were sent to residential schools by government decree, where many faced physical and sexual abuse. It is estimated that 6,000 children died in these schools; however, it is believed the number is much higher. In 2008, the Canadian government launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which finally enabled survivors to give their testimony. Com- ing to terms with such a horrific past takes bravery and integrity— and so does building a better future.
To walk through life with integrity is to know HONESTY
The raven (and in some beliefs, a mystical giant known as the “Sabé”) represents honesty, because he accepts himself as he is and uses the gifts that the Creator provided.
Indigenous Peoples also strive to use the Creator’s gifts, which include the ability to respect and share with others. This was reflected in a festive ceremonial gathering known as potlatch, in which the host gave gifts to everyone in attendance and, in return, was viewed with much honour and respect. The practice was outlawed by the government in 1885, as widescale “sharing” in such a manner was at odds with the burgeoning capitalist system. Nevertheless, sharing and respect remain integral to Indigenous Peoples.
To know yourself as a sacred part of Creation is HUMILITY
Humility is represented by the wolf, whose life is devoted to his pack and whose ultimate shame is to be an outcast—a fitting term for the thousands of Indig- enous children now in the care of child welfare services or foster homes. With suicide rates among First Nations youth (aged 15 to 24 years) being five to six times higher than non-indigenous people, and over-crowded housing and poor living conditions being the norm on reserves, it’s time we all exercise humility and do our best to return these outcast children to the security of the pack.
TRUTH is to know all of these things
The turtle represents truth, as he was there during the creation of Earth and carried the teachings of life on his back. A terrible truth of the modern era is more than one in five Canadian children go to school hungry. As such, they are not properly prepared to learn and succeed in school, which ultimately impacts their long-term potential. Sadly, the numbers are higher in First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities, where the ratio is closer to one in two.
Facing hard truths, respecting one another and striving for meaningful change is the path to a better future. I only wish that we could all embrace The Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers to help get us there sooner. n