- Definition
The Seven Grandfather Teachings are important lessons from the Anishinaabe people that teach us how to live well, focusing on values like honesty, respect, and love.
A play where a character tells the truth even when it is difficult is showing the teaching of honesty.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The Seven Grandfather Teachings are teachings shared by some Anishinaabe communities about living in good relationship with others and the world.
Ask your child: Why should we learn teachings from the communities that carry and share them?
Common mix-up: Teachings, language, and interpretations can vary by community. They are not a generic checklist and should be taught with Nation-specific, community-guided resources.
Examples
- A dancer who makes a mistake but keeps going shows the teaching of bravery.
- A painting that shows a family caring for each other can express the teaching of love.
- A song that gives thanks for the land and animals shows the teaching of respect.
seven grandfather teachings is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
