Seven Teachings

An Elder told me that when you name the seven teachings and struggle to remember them that the one(s) you struggle with are things you need to work on within yourself. Always trust the wisdom of an Elder.

Love, Honesty, Truth, Wisdom, Respect, Courage, Humility.

I have immense admiration for Indigenous people. Their beliefs, their wisdom, their love of the earth, their resilience. Non Indigenous people should pause in their ways and take to heart what is taught about an understanding that is near impossible to capture in words.

My son's artwork that has an eagle on it has since become the front cover of my book. When I suggested that he draw something based on the book's title "The Sun Neither Rises nor Sets" his finished product had the eagle on it. When I saw it I didn't hesitate to say that I would be using it as the cover of my book. He then surprised me with another drawing that is now the back cover of the book.

The animal for love is the eagle in the seven teachings. The contents of the book are all centered around love. Love for your higher power. Love for self. Love for life.

Eagle - Love
Honesty - Sabe
Truth - Turtle
Wisdom - Beaver
Respect - Buffalo
Courage - Bear
Humility - Wolf