The 7 Grandfather Teachings of the Ojibway people

Pays Plat First Nation is an Ojibway community situated on Highway 17 on the north shore of Lake Superior.

Raymond Goodchild is an elder and councillor and former chief of  this tiny community of around 80 residents known by its Ojibway name of Pawgwasheeng.  Kim Krause of Schreiber Media Centre stopped by to talk to Goodchild about a brand new installation on the site of the traditional pow-wow grounds.

The installation has been established to help educate people on the 7 grandfather teachings of Anishinabae law. The laws guide people on how to conduct ones self in respect towards other fellow humans. There are 7 totems all facing in different directions representing each of these values. Schreiber Media Centre was honoured to take part in a personal tour hosted by Mr. Goodchild as he led us through the various carvings that stand guard on the grounds and explained their significance in the Ojibway culture. 

Starting with a beautiful plaque at the entrance Raymond told the story of how the 7 teachings came to be. Each totem has a sign explaining its meaning and the first one they stopped at was the Eagle and we were told it represents Love.  They then moved on to the clan animal that represents Wisdom, the Beaver.

Humility is represented by the spirit of the Wolf and reminds people to be humble in all they do. They moved to the Bison and learned that it symbolizes Respect towards all people. They then went on to a quite large and impressive Bigfoot that Raymond says stood for Honesty, and if we live our lives in an honest manner, everything will work out.

The large Bear represents Bravery and courage and requires a person to work on themselves to overcome fear. The final spirit animal is the Turtle  which stands for Truth. When you talk and act in a truthful manner you will live a good life. Hopefully this summer, as COVID subsides, there will be a pow-wow celebration and more people will be able to see this wonderful collection. Miigwech.