Outline

1. Introduction of participants and program overview

Depth

This session sets the stage for the programme. It’s vital to emphasize a welcoming and open environment where everyone feels safe to express their thoughts and experiences. This part of the course is not just about introducing the teachings but about building community and trust. In this first part of the program, the participants will make some decisions about which activities they would like to participate in throughout the following modules.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Cultural sharing: Have participants share their own personal or family traditions related to the Seven Sacred Teachings. This could bring in aspects of the community’s specific culture, such as oral traditions, stories, or teachings passed down through generations.
• Circle process: Use a talking circle to create an equal, respectful environment. In the circle, each person shares their thoughts without interruption, mirroring the communal decision-making structures in many First Nations cultures.
• Incorporating Elders: If possible, involve an elder in the introduction. Elders bring immense wisdom, and their inclusion validates the teachings and strengthens cultural connection.

2. How we can learn to love from the Eagle

Depth

The Eagle’s love is often associated with vision and perspective. The Eagle’s ability to soar high represents how we can rise above challenges to see life from a broader view. In this context, love isn’t just affection but a deep respect for life and all of creation.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Connection to nature: Incorporate the traditional teachings of the Eagle, which is often seen as a messenger between the Creator and people in many Indigenous cultures. Discuss how the Eagle’s flight offers insight into love that transcends boundaries.
• Storytelling: Invite participants to share stories or teachings about the Eagle from their own nations or communities. These might include creation stories or lessons passed down about the eagle’s role in connecting the physical and spiritual worlds.
• Symbolism in practice: Encourage participants to reflect on how they can apply the Eagle’s wisdom in their relationships—whether within families, the community, or with the land.

3. How the Wolf teaches us the value of humility

Depth

The Wolf symbolizes leadership, loyalty, and humility. The Wolf’s pack structure is based on respect, where each member has a role and serves the greater good. Humility is found not in diminishing oneself but in acknowledging that everyone has a contribution to make, including ourselves.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Traditional knowledge: Discuss how wolves have been viewed in various Indigenous cultures, where they often symbolize cooperation and balance. Consider how community-centered values (such as those seen in the Wolf’s role in the pack) are fundamental in First Nations’ governance and family structures.
• Role of family and community: Emphasize the importance of humility in the family unit and the broader community. Reflect on how each individual, much like a wolf in the pack, has a role to play, and true strength comes from contributing to the group, not competing for dominance.
• Collaborative activities: Organize group activities where participants work together to achieve a goal, emphasizing cooperation and humility in collective work, similar to how a wolf works with its pack to thrive.

4. Developing courage through observing Bears

Depth

Bears are powerful symbols of courage, strength, and introspection. They are solitary at times but also protective of their cubs and others. Courage, as taught by the Bear, is about knowing when to stand firm and when to retreat for healing and growth.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Connection to Ancestral Teachings: Use the story of the Bear to explore courage in the face of adversity—whether it be overcoming hardship, standing up for the community, or facing personal challenges. Many First Nations cultures hold the bear in reverence as a protector, and its teachings are often connected to survival, resilience, and growth.
• Healing and strength: Share how, in many Indigenous cultures, bear medicine is also associated with healing. Encourage participants to explore the balance of strength and self-care, the courage to protect and to heal.
• Ceremonial practices: If possible, engage in activities that mimic the Bear’s cycle of solitude (such as fasting or spending quiet time in nature) to reflect on where one might need to summon inner courage.

5. Learning to master honesty with the Sasquatch

Depth

The Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, represents something elusive and mysterious, often interpreted as a guardian of the forests. This character can symbolize the hidden truths we must learn to face, even if they are uncomfortable or difficult to understand. The Sasquatch teaches us that honesty comes from a place of authenticity, even when facing our fears or insecurities.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Traditional views of the Sasquatch: In many First Nations cultures, Sasquatch is a protector of the land, representing the unknown and unexplained. Explore the cultural interpretations of Sasquatch in the community, focusing on the relationship to the natural world and the importance of acknowledging what we do not understand.
• Honesty in relationships: Encourage participants to reflect on how honesty strengthens personal and community relationships. The Sasquatch, while mysterious, can be a metaphor for the difficult truths we must face as individuals and as a collective.
• Deep listening exercises: Practice deep listening with one another. The act of hearing the truth—whether about oneself or a community—without judgment is key to mastering honesty.

6. The Buffalo teaches us all about respect

Depth

The Buffalo is a symbol of abundance, generosity, and respect. It represents the balance between giving and receiving, and its significance in many First Nations cultures is tied to the respect for the Earth and its creatures. The Buffalo teaches that respect is not only about recognizing others’ worth but also about acknowledging the sacredness of life.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Sacredness of the Buffalo: Discuss the role of the buffalo in the lives of many Plains nations, where it provided food, clothing, and tools. The Buffalo represents generosity, and its teachings offer profound lessons on respect for all life and the interconnectedness of all beings.
• Sharing and gratitude: Engage participants in community work that reflects the Buffalo’s spirit of generosity. Host a community meal or ceremony where the focus is on giving thanks and showing respect to the land and each other.
• Cultural revitalization: If relevant, incorporate activities that highlight how buffalo hunts were conducted in a respectful manner, emphasizing gratitude and sustainability.

7. Experiencing the wisdom of the Beaver

Depth

The Beaver represents industriousness, creativity, and problem-solving. It teaches us how to work diligently toward building something lasting and meaningful, whether a structure, a community, or a way of life. The Beaver’s wisdom lies in planning and creating with intention.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Building community together: Encourage activities that foster collaboration, such as building something as a group, whether a physical structure (like a community garden) or a shared project that benefits everyone.
• Traditional knowledge of construction: If possible, tie this to traditional knowledge about building shelters or tools, demonstrating how the Beaver’s teachings can be applied in practical, hands-on ways.
• Problem-solving sessions: Engage participants in problem-solving exercises where they must work together to come up with creative solutions to community challenges, reflecting the Beaver’s wisdom in working through obstacles.

8. The Turtle teaches us the truth

Depth

The Turtle represents patience, truth, and the enduring nature of life. The Turtle’s slow pace teaches us that truth cannot be rushed; it must be uncovered in time, with patience and perseverance. The Turtle’s teachings also remind us of the importance of being grounded and connected to the Earth.

Suggestions for a First Nations community

• Respect for the land: Discuss the Turtle’s connection to the Earth, as many First Nations view the Earth as a living being. Reflect on the importance of living in harmony with nature and seeking the truth in all aspects of life.
• Slow reflection: Use storytelling and reflection exercises that encourage participants to take their time when seeking truth. This could involve journaling, meditation, or walking quietly in nature.
• Teachings of Elders: Invite Elders to share their insights on the truth, how it is passed down, and how they live by the truths they’ve learned over a lifetime.