Seven Sacred Teachings: Niizhwaaswi Gagiikwewin

by David Bouchard

The Seven Sacred Teachings is a message of traditional values and hope for the future. The Teachings are universal to most First Nation peoples. These Teachings are aboriginal communities from coast to coast. They are a link that ties First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities together. David Bouchard is Canada s most renowned and awarded Métis author. Dr. Joseph Martin has spent his life coming to understand the Sacred Teachings. Métis Kristy Cameron took a year out of her life to interpret the Teachings through her art. Swampfox has created seven flutes out of seven different woods, each in the key that is consistent with a particular Teaching. This master flute maker then dreamed seven songs to accompany this telling. Awards/ Look to the East. Is it not easy to see how insignificant you are when you marvel at the rising sun? Wolf, who epitomizes the Teaching of Humility, howls announcing the arrival of Grandfather Sun. Through Wolf, we learn that the pack is more important than the individual. The Trembling Aspen models Humility and the song you ll hear is in the key of C because C exemplifies Humility. Rooted in humility and honesty, the creators have tried to respect the cultures and traditions of all peoples. It is our hope that this telling will unite and thus heal divisions. Prophecies tell that this is the time for One Heart, One Mind and One Drum. We, readers and authors alike, are the ones we have been waiting for. There is nobody else who can revitalize our culture and values except ourselves. It is our hope that this telling might move readers toward greater courage and wisdom and ultimately toward achieving and understanding what is true in life s journey.

Genres: Indigenous, Canada

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Canadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than fifty books for readers of all ages, including two guides on reading for parents and educators.

An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being.

David Bouchard's books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General's Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue.

In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories."

David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.

-taken from the author's website

Reviews

[Susan Marrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully illustrated explanation of the seven sacred teachings of the Ojibwe/Chippewa/Anishinaabe peoples (which are also shared by many other indigenous peoples)! The paintings by Kenora, Ontario, Metis artist Kristy Cameron are particularly vivid on a screen in the Kindle edition, but the Mtw hardcover edition includes an accompanying flute-music DVD. For each of the seven teachings we learn its direction, its background, its totem, and its meaning for our lives. These are truths that are relevant to people of all faiths and traditions and none, expressed with great beauty and sensitivity. The author writes in the preface: "It is our hope that this telling will unite and thus heal divisions. Prophecies tell that this is the time for One Heart, One Mind, and One Drum. We, readers and authors alike, are the ones we have been waiting for. There is nobody else who can revitalize our culture and values except ourselves". This should be in the library of every indigenous child and should be read and savoured by all settler people, especially during this time of awakening to truth and reconciliation. Highly recommended!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seven Sacred Teachings is an easy read and informative. The artwork is interesting.