What are the Seven Sacred Laws?
The Seven Sacred Laws are important teachings in our cultures as the Original People of Turtle Island.
They are ancestral values that inspire our conduct as human beings, and bring us back to a relationship with the Earth.
The Seven Sacred Laws are represented by seven animals. Each animal offers a special gift and understanding of how we as people should live our lives on Mother Earth. The Turtle Lodge has initiated the return and sharing of the Seven Sacred Laws in this very special time as we search for peace. The Seven Sacred Laws form the foundation of all Turtle Lodge programs.
The animals that represent the seven sacred laws ensure that we have a close relationship with the land – an alliance with nature. The animal world are our brothers. They live with each other in harmony and bring us teachings.
When one is able to walk the spirit of these Seven Sacred Laws is when one becomes truly free, it is then that one receives the full support of the universe, and the forces of the Earth itself.
Respect, represented by the Buffalo.
Respect is to be a giving and sharing people, first and foremost, following the example of the Buffalo who gave its whole being for the life of the people.
Respect all life on Mother Earth, respect Elders and people of all races. The essence of respect is to give.
Love, represented by the Eagle.
Love is about loving the Great Spirit, loving the land, loving ourselves in the way we were created, and loving each other in the highest way, as the eagle brings vision that is always based on love. The essence of love is understanding, with empathy and compassion. Through the unconditional love of the Great Spirit, we have all been given the ability to have vision, and to make our visions come true.
Always act in love. Love the Creator. Love the Earth. Love yourself, your family, and your fellow human beings.
Courage, represented by the Bear.
Courage is living from the heart, and having the courage to be ourselves. It takes courage to do the right thing for the sake of the children, the way a mother bear would die before seeing harm come to her cub.
Listen to your heart. It takes courage to do what is right.
Honesty, represented by the Sabe.
Honesty is being honest with ourselves, speaking and living our truth from the heart. Honesty is refusing to lie or engage in gossip about others. Honesty is being true to our words.
Honesty is never judging or condemning others, but to speak well of others, honouring their uniqueness within the human family.
Wisdom, represented by the Beaver.
Wisdom is using the gift the Great Spirit gave each of us to serve, and to build a strong family, community and Nation. Our gifts do not belong to us as individuals, but belong to all the people, to serve the good of the Nation. If the beaver did not use his gift to build, his teeth would grow long, and he would suffer. Similarly, if we do not use our gifts in a good way for the benefit of the Earth and the brothers and sisters of our nations, we too suffer spiritually.
Everyone has a special gift. Show wisdom by using your gift to build a peaceful world
Humility, represented by the Wolf.
Humility is showing gratitude for life received, never overstepping the natural laws of Mother Earth. Humility is to know that not one of us is ever above or below our fellow human beings. We are all equal in the eyes of the Great Spirit. There is so much we can learn from the wolf. The teaching of humility is especially important for the leaders of our Nations.
Think of others before yourself. Humble yourself to the Great Spirit by being thankful.
Truth, represented by the Turtle.
Living truth means living in the spirit of Respect, Love, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth. It is when we live truth that we will know peace and find the truth of our humanity. Our spiritual constitution is written on the turtle. The Turtle lives in the water and on the land to remind the whole world of the truth we should be living by.
Always seek truth. Living the truth is living the Seven Sacred Laws.
The Seven Sacred Laws Animated Web Series
Episode 1: The Creation Story
Episode 3: Eagle (Love)
Episode 5: Sabe (Honesty)
Episode 7: Wolf (Humility)
Episode 2: Buffalo (Respect)
Episode 4: Bear (Courage)
Episode 6: Beaver (Wisdom)
Episode 8: Turtle (Truth)
Click here to watch the Seven Sacred Laws Animated Web Series in Anishinaabemowin!
Click here to watch the Seven Sacred Laws Animated Web Series in French!
In partnership with The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness in Sagkeeng First Nation and IG Wealth Management, Manitoba 150 is honoured to present a series of short animated films on the Seven Sacred Laws. Written by Anishinaabe Elder, Dr. David Courchene, directed by Indigenous filmmaker, Erica Daniels of Peguis First Nation, and created by Manitoba’s Peg City Pictures Inc., the vignettes tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in their own voices, in a format that is accessible not only for Indigenous people, but for all Manitobans.
The Seven Sacred Laws is a colourful and imaginative animated web series that follows a young boy on an Indigenous rite of passage: a vision quest. On his spiritual journey, he meets seven sacred animals that teach him how we as people should live our lives on Mother Earth
In partnership with The Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness in Sagkeeng First Nation and IG Wealth Management, Manitoba 150 is honoured to present a series of short animated films on the Seven Sacred Laws. Written by Anishinaabe Elder, Dr. David Courchene, directed by Indigenous filmmaker, Erica Daniels of Peguis First Nation, and created by Manitoba’s Peg City Pictures Inc., the vignettes tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in their own voices, in a format that is accessible not only for Indigenous people, but for all Manitobans.