Real Anishinabeg
Seven Grandfather Teachings
Below Is A Contribution From Tribal Elder Tony Grondin
This is really a sad time in the life of a people that are revered in history to be genuine, givers, protectors, integrated, forthright, act with Integrity and we can't get one elected representative to stand and tell the real truth.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard individuals with all those qualities say, "we are a pitiful people", and tell personal stories of hardships brought on themselves by their own actions. When I heard those words it was at Eagle Staff Gatherings, Sweat Lodges, Fasts, Talking Circles, Pipe Ceremonies, in a Wabano. When leaving those sacred gatherings we have a feeling of pride knowing those that have spoken have learned from their mistakes and have become better people.
We have the Seven Grandfathers that are difficult for me to follow but still expect our elected officials to follow them when making a decision for our people. When making decisions for myself or acting for myself I have to deal with the consequences myself so it's easy to make mistakes as I have done. I do however find it very difficult not to make the right decision when I know in my heart what is best for the people not just me. I am very comfortable in saying that I have made those difficult decisions in the past and base my integrity on it.
The difficult decisions that need to be made and are not, in some way or another violate each of the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Of all the Seven Grandfather teachings the one that stands out most to me is Humility. When we hear the teachings of Humility it is generally taught in a way that sometimes we have to accept humiliation in order to conquer the other teachings. Humility is hard enough to accept when it is self-imposed. But when the people that represent us humiliate us as a people it's almost unforgivable but that too is a teaching,,,, to forgive.
To forgive is also something hard to do! I find it easier to forgive others than to forgive myself. Apparently those ideals are not shared by ourelected officials. We as a people are now looking for one person that can represent us in history and stand up and tell the truth when it is a very difficult thing to do.
Ever since we have become a recognized tribe we have struggled to find leaders that will act with Integrity when the real hard decisions are to be made. Where are we headed as a people? How is history going to reflect us as teachers, givers, protectors, integrated, forthright, and acting with Integrity?
TG
