My Favourite Resources

Ways of knowing guide

 

Bell et al. (2010) in collaboration with “First Nation Elders, First Nation community members, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, advisory group members, talking circle participants, Friendship centers, funding partners, authors, previous programme coordinators & summer students, Toronto Zoo staff and those committed to improving all that exists in creation for generations to come” (p. 4).

I appreciate this guide tremendously as a resources for expanding the ways of knowing we hold as educators and what lenses we share with children. The Indigenous perspective outlined in the Ways of knowing guide by Bell et al. (2010), speaks “to the fundamental principle of ensuring sustainable relationships with the land” (p. 10). Reciprocal and considerate practices of engaging with the land are “reflected through worldview, values, beliefs and stories” (Bell et al., 2010, p. 10). The concept of acting responsibly in consideration to the land is a keystone of Indigenous traditions.

We Matter: Toolkit for teachers, educators and facilitators

 

We Matter is a fantastic Indigenous-led campaign that emotionally supports Indigenous youth by connecting with each other and crisis lines can reduce the “Suicide rates for Indigenous youth…[which] are several times higher than that of other Canadians, as well as rates for challenges like addiction, abuse, and school drop outs” (We Matter, 2025, para 3). 

The selection of toolkits are supportive self-guided journeys that organize the videos of fellow Indigenous youth and educators into actionable and digestible steps to nourish and empower themselves and their community (We Matter, 2024). There are also clear guides for educators inside to keep their message, opportunities and resources present in classrooms. This toolkit offers “a list of videos to show every now and again, with talking points to start a discussion” (We Matter, 2023, p. 22). 

 

The Seven Grandfather Teachings

By Selena Mills

 

I included this short excerpt about the Seven Grandfather Teachings because it is summarized very succinctly by Selena Mills in a way that makes these values feel accessible. I hope to collaborate with the Indigenous community around me in any place I am in an ECE role. Purchasing, borrowing and learning from Indigenous authors and creators in a responsible and considerate fashion is essential, along with the inclusion of Elders and Knowledge Keepers who may enter mutually beneficial open invitations to share stories and teachings with the children. In addition, an anti-racist and anti-bias framework in combination with the land-based foundational framework echos these values and fosters a sense of belonging. The seven grandfather teachings support the goal of establishing a rich, authentic and diverse culture of children, families, communities and nature connection.

 

“Like many parents, I want to guide my kids on a healthy path in life. These Anishinaabe principles have become the foundation of my own daily parenting practices. I often share them as stories and songs with my kids, as traditional practitioner and knowledge keeper Banakonda Kennedy Kish Bell has passed them on to me. As expressed in oral translations such as The Mishomis Book by Ojibway educator Edward Benton-Banai, the Creator--our grandfather, who gave us our first mother, Mother Earth--saw that humans needed morals to help one another as well as treat all of our relations as equals, especially our animal cousins as we're reliant on them for our survival. Animals remind us of our responsibilities as stewards of the environment and protectors of our first mother. While expressions vary from nation to nation, the wisdom of these philosophies has spread across Turtle Island (North America).

These lessons enrich our lives, offering positive, playful examples of how to survive--and thrive--in this world.

1. WISDOM Nbwaakaawin: The Beaver To cultivate knowledge is to know wisdom, which helps us make decisions that honour our well-being. This is represented by the beaver, who patiently uses his impressive teeth and creative mind to build sustainable communities. Be humble in knowing where you excel and what your limits are, and collaborate with others who have expertise you may lack.

2. LOVE Zaagidwin: The Eagle Unconditional love cannot be given without loving oneself, much like the eagle who soars high and carries these teachings from the Creator to share with her young. Educate yourself before you speak, consult with your mentors and your communities and love yourself enough to overcome difficulties.

3. RESPECT Mnaadendimowin: The Buffalo As long as we have walked the Earth, so have the buffalo, who have sacrificed themselves to give us warmth, food and shelter. To have respect is to honour all of creation. Balance what you need with what you want and recognize how your own greed may be at the expense of Mother Earth. Do what you can to make a difference and lead by example.

4. BRAVERY Aakwa'ode'ewin: The Bear Awaken the warrior within by facing adversaries with integrity. We see these traits embodied in mother bears, who guide and protect their young with strength and a playful heart. Remember, you can't take care of others without taking time for yourself first. Conquer fears so you can help those you love. Don't forget the power of play and humour.

5. HONESTY Gwekwaadziwin: The Raven Facing a situation with truth, kindness and compassion is to walk with integrity. The raven, who uses his own cleverness to prosper, is a potent symbol of the power of honesty. Remain true to yourself, love and respect your own natural form.

6. HUMILITY Dbaadendiziwin: The Wolf To know yourself and your gifts in a humble way is to set a good example for others in life, much like wolves who are devoted to their family. Uphold the power of love: Look for it everywhere and nurture it just as you would your children. To accept that we all need love to survive is to be truly humble.

7. TRUTH Debwewin: The Turtle To commit to these seven teachings and see them as fundamental values that complement each other is to know them within oneself, authentically. The turtle, who methodically walks the Earth as one of our eldest animals, reminds us of our teachings that proceed and survive all of time. Walk with these teachings; share these teachings from a true place of regard for their capacity to enrich our own lives and those who we encounter” (Mills, 2018).

References 

Bell, N., E. Conroy, K.Wheatley, B. Michaud, C. Maracle, J. Pelletier, B.Filion, B. Johnson, 2010, Ways of knowing guide. Toronto Zoo.

Mills, S. (2018). The seven grandfather teachings. Today's Parent (Vol. 35, Issue 3). St. Joseph Media

We Matter. (2023). Toolkit for teachers, educators and facilitators. https://wemattercampaign.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/76443-WM_TookitForTeacher.pdf

We Matter. (2024, May 22). Toolkit for Indigenous youth. We Matter. https://wemattercampaign.org/resources/youth

We Matter. (2025). What is We Matter? We Matter. https://wemattercampaign.org/what-is-we-matter

 

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