The Seven Sacred Teachings

Over the past school year, Fulham students participated in a year-long school-wide project learning about the Seven Sacred Teachings. The Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, are a set of principles in Anishinaabe tradition that outline how to live a "good life." These teachings - often represented by animals - are love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth. Each teaching emphasizes a different aspect of ethical conduct and spiritual growth.

Almost every month, students did an in-depth study of each teaching. The school’s main bulletin board featured a turtle and miniature versions were made by each student and displayed in the library where students placed a badge after each teaching. The turtle represents Truth, which is about living in accordance with the other six teachings and being true to oneself. Student projects focused on the learning that went with each teaching; for example, students designed their own wolf mask as part of their teaching of Humility which is symbolized by the wolf, recognizing one's place in the world and being aware of one's interconnectedness with all living things. Another month, they wrote a few lines on a bear-shaped picture about when they had to have Courage, which is not just about physical bravery, but also about facing challenges and standing up for what is right.

Staff helped students through their study which also included watching videos about every teaching led by an Elder who had a short story to accompany each lesson.

Each student was also given a silver turtle pendant that they personalized with patterned paper. These turtles will be made into a necklace - a keepsake to serve as a reminder of the important lessons that they have learned this year.

The Seven Sacred Teachings