As a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians I feel obligated to provide you with some of the foundations of my culture. I would like to elaborate on the Seven Grandfathers teachings. These teachings are well accepted among the Great Lakes Tribes and much of Indian Country in general as follows:
No’ek Mishomesnanek knomagéwenen
Seven Grandfather Teachings
Wedasewen – Bravery
Having courage and strength to make good choices when faced with
difficulties and challenges in life.
Having courage and strength to make good choices when faced with
difficulties and challenges in life.
Edbesendowen – Humility
To recognize ourselves as humble and human.
To recognize ourselves as humble and human.
Bwakawen – Wisdom
Using good judgment and attitude, we have the ability to
teach others what we have learned.
Using good judgment and attitude, we have the ability to
teach others what we have learned.
Debanawen – Love
To show affection and feel love for all beings. To be
unselfish in our relationships with one another.
To show affection and feel love for all beings. To be
unselfish in our relationships with one another.
Gwekwadzewen – Honesty
To be trustworthy and truthful.
To be trustworthy and truthful.
Wdetanmowen – Respect
With a good heart, we share our
appreciation and thoughtfulness to all.
With a good heart, we share our
appreciation and thoughtfulness to all.
Dewewen – Truth
To show in our character and actions a
learning, knowing, and honoring of truth.
To show in our character and actions a
learning, knowing, and honoring of truth.
We have many responsibilities as human beings. These sacred Nishnabé teachings that have been passed down through the generations can help guide us in our lives if we practice and live by them.
Eugene Magnuson is currently the Director of Food and Nutrition for Mount Sinai Hospital a 325-bed teaching, research, and tertiary-care facility and Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital a 100-bed Rehabilitation hospital in Chicago, Illinois
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