Elder teachers gather at Manitou Api, Manitoba: igniting the fire, gathering wisdom from all nations

Abstract

Elders gather to teach, discuss, and pass on oral traditional knowledge to the younger people. This discussion takes place over a four-day period according to the request of and procedural direction provided by Elders. The procedures and teachings are provided in order to share indigenous oral teachings; an attempt to share aspects of oral traditional literature through the difficult (and perhaps impossible) method of the written word. The oral traditional structure and procedural methods are taken for granted by indigenous people of North America that learned these ways from their Elders for “oh these many years” as Elders say. The notion of a “sense of place” as defined and taught by Elders is explored with its structural context clearly delineated and reflected in the idea and process of indigenous education.

Keywords:

• oral teachings
• Elder teachers
• traditional procedures

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the oral traditional scholars that spoke/taught at Manitou Albee that assisted in the development of this article as well as David F. Courchene Jr. of Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Canada and Kelly Lovelace of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota, USA for their help in remembering the oral instructions.

Notes

1. Turtle Island is the name used by some Native people for North America.

2. <-!!->

3. Love (Eagle) is First Law, Honesty (Sabe), Humility (Wolf), Courage (Bear), Respect (Buffalo), Wisdom (Beaver), and Truth (Turtle), the Highest Law. Each law is represented by a Living Being, noted in parentheses.

4. Love (Eagle) is First Law, Honesty (Sabe), Humility (Wolf), Courage (Bear), Respect (Buffalo), Wisdom (Beaver), and Truth (Turtle), the Highest Law. Each law is represented by a Living Being, noted in parentheses.

5. Principle of peaceful coexistence: Every life form has the breath of the Creator’s love, bestowed with the right to exist as created. We are all a small part of his Spirit. Principle of Equality: Each life form is equal to the other. All life forms have a purpose within the sacred circle of life. Principle of connectedness: All life is nourished and sustained, supported and energized by each other. All living things are connected. Principle of Balance: The natural essentials of Fire, Water, Earth and Air are the main elements that must exist in harmony to sustain all other life forms. Each form of life is treated with respect. Balance is what is sought during interaction between and among living things. Principle of the Circle: Whatever good is done is returned to the giver. Unfortunately this rule also applies to negative energy. People who harm other living things bring harm to their own spirit. We need to protect our own spirit from negative energy. Principle of sustenance: Take only what is needed to survive. Taking more violates this law, and creates an imbalance that requires adjustment. Principle of gratitude: Give thanks. If the ability, capacity, and willingness to give thanks is forgotten and not practiced, opportunities in many forms become limited. Human beings own nothing. All is a gift from the Creator.