The Seven Grandfather Teachings—Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth—are anchors, guiding me toward a life that resonates with my heart and soul. Reflecting on these teachings, one at a time, feels like a meaningful way to grow and improve. Today, my reflection is on Respect.
Respect is foundational within the Plains Cree tradition—it shapes how we interact with the land, with each other, with the teachings, and with the spirits. To live with Respect is to understand that everything has its place and purpose within Creation, including our connection to the spiritual world. It reminds us that the spirits walk with us, guiding and supporting us, and that honoring them is a vital part of honoring all of life’s relationships.
Respect calls us to recognize the sacredness of everything—the land that nourishes us, the water that sustains us, the animals and plants that provide for us, the people who walk alongside us, and the spirits who watch over us. It is through gratitude, humility, and mindfulness that we honor these relationships, fulfilling our responsibilities within Creation.
I remember hearing an Elder share a story about a hunter. It began like this:
_”There once was a hunter, strong and skilled. He was proud of his ability to provide for his family, but as time went on, he grew greedy. He began to take more than he needed—more animals, more food, more from the land—thinking only of how it made him feel powerful. He never paused to give thanks to the animals for their sacrifice or to the land for its abundance.
But then, the animals started to vanish. The land seemed to give less. The hunter struggled to feed his family, and his heart became heavy with worry. He knew something was wrong. So, he went out into the quiet of the forest, carrying only his thoughts.
There, under the sky and surrounded by the whispers of the trees, he realized his mistake. He had taken without gratitude, without Respect. So, he gathered a small bundle—a gift—and offered it to the land, to the Creator, and to the spirits. He prayed for forgiveness and pledged to live differently.
And slowly, the balance returned. The animals came back. The land felt alive again. From that day forward, the hunter made sure to offer thanks before every hunt, to take only what was needed, and to share with others. He carried that Respect in every action, and his family prospered.”_
Reflecting on this teaching, I feel called to ask myself how I can show more Respect in my own life—whether through mindful actions, deeper gratitude, or simply listening more closely to the world around me and the spirits that guide me. Perhaps it’s about slowing down and honoring the relationships that are so easily overlooked in the rush of daily life.
Respect challenges me to slow down and honor the sacred relationships that are so easily overlooked in the rush of daily life. It’s about seeing the land as more than just a resource, appreciating the water as life itself, and recognizing the contributions of everyone and everything around us. Living with Respect is a daily practice—one that builds a sense of balance and connection to all of Creation.
These reflections on Plains Cree teachings are part of my personal journey to gain clarity and understanding. While these teachings are central to my identity, I recognize there is always more to learn. I encourage you to consult an Elder for accurate guidance, as my interpretations may not always be correct.
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