keeping with the Creator ’ s laws , which in turn helps us maintain our integrity . There are no degrees of honesty — it comes from within and we practice it or we don ’ t . To be honest is to act truthfully and speak from our convictions . To do this , we must accept and be honest with ourselves and extend that honesty to our relationships .
The wolf carries tapahtêyimisow ( humility ). Wolves must live with their pack to thrive but can only do so if they humbly fulfill their roles . To have humility is to understand that we are no more important than any other being . Humility cannot exist without love , kindness , and generosity . When we follow the wolf ’ s teachings and work for all people rather than for selfish motives , we exhibit humility , strengthen our relationships , and build balance and equality between all life .
The sixth teaching is iyinisowin ( wisdom ), which is gifted to us by the beaver . Wisdom is the experience we gain over time and the knowledge of cultural teachings that allow us to make decisions in a good way . All of the beaver ’ s work is done with its teeth . If the beaver stops building , its teeth continue to grow and it will die . Likewise , if we stop practicing wisdom , we lose the ability to use our gifts for others . When we cherish knowledge , we live wisely , listen carefully , take responsibility for our choices , and help grow healthy and peaceful communities .
The final teaching , tápwewin ( truth ) comes from the turtle . The turtle , which was present at creation , carries the Sacred Teachings on its back . Truth comes from knowing and practicing cultural teachings . We cannot gain truth unless we honour its power and actively follow the teachings the turtle carries . The turtle , miskanâhk , shows the path Indigenous Peoples walk , meskanaw , to live the good life . Cree is a verb-based language ; thus , neither truth nor any of the teachings are static — they are ongoing actions : tápwewin translates as “ the act of telling the truth .” When we are honourable and sincere in our words and actions , we practice truth .
From animals , man has learned that everything on the earth is interconnected and interdependent . We learn how to live in harmony with the Creator , the land , ourselves , and each other . However , these teachings will only be received if we have open hearts and are willing to live according to them . By forging connections between man and animals , we learn to respect all life and live miyo pimâtisiwin .
Living on Treaty 6 land in Edmonton , Rhonda Kronyk , a writer , editor , and grant consultant , says , “ In the spirit of Treaties and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission , I hope we can build relationships with each other and the land we live on .” Rhonda is a founding member of the Indigenous Editors Association and works with editors so they can learn how to reflect these recommendations in their work . Rhonda ’ s style choices in writing this article for news & views reflect the need to increase the respect that has traditionally been shown toward Indigenous Peoples in media and Canadian literature .
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