Before the early settlers arrived in what is Canada today, there were already many Indigenous peoples living here. Each of these groups has unique beliefs about how the earth was created and how people came to exist. These beliefs are often passed from generation to generation through traditional teachings. Traditional teachings have been passed down orally from generation to generation by Elders. The elders have used their experience and wisdom to help people in their communities make good decisions.

In this program, students learn about The Seven Grandfather Teachings, also known as The Seven Sacred Teachings. This is a set of teachings on human conduct towards others. They are what was traditionally and still is to this day needed in order for communities to survive. Almost all First Nation people follow them. They also apply to every culture. People all over the world should and do follow these simple teachings on human conduct. The teachings - love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth cannot be used in isolation. You must practice all of them. To practice one without the other would amount to practicing the opposite of that teaching. Therefore, to not love is to be fearful; to not be humble is to be self-centred; to not be honest is to be dishonest; to not be courageous is to be cowardly.

In this wonderful program hosted by Curve Lake First Nations entertainer Missy Knott, students learn of the history of The Seven Sacred Teachings and meet Coast Tsminshian First Nations Elder and Educator, Shannon Thunderbird who delightfully shares and explains each teaching. With her flair for storytelling, Shannon describes the virtues of being a good person, taking care of one another and taking care of the Earth. An invaluable lesson for all.

Includes: DVD, resource guide with student worksheets in PDF format.