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 Honesty.
Honesty feels like one of the most grounding teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. In the Plains Cree tradition, Honesty is not just about telling the truth—it’s about living in truth, in alignment with who we are and the values that guide us. Honesty calls us to be truthful not only in our words but also in our actions, ensuring that our relationships, choices, and way of life reflect authenticity and integrity.
This teaching reminds us that Honesty begins within. It asks us to look inward with clarity and compassion, recognizing both our strengths and our flaws. Honesty is about honoring our truths and respecting the truths of others, even when they differ from our own. In the Plains Cree worldview, living honestly strengthens the bonds that connect us—to ourselves, to our community, to the Creator, and to the spirits that walk beside us.
I remember an Elder once telling this story about a young boy:
_”There was a boy who loved to be out on the land, wandering through the forest near his village. He felt safe there, wrapped in the presence of the trees and the whispers of the wind.
One day, the boy found himself deep in the woods when he spotted a beautiful bird caught in a snare. Its feathers glistened like the sunrise, and its eyes were filled with fear. The boy freed the bird, holding it gently, and watched as it flew away.
When he returned to the village, he overheard a group of boys talking about how they had set the snare. They were angry that the bird had escaped. Not wanting to be teased or judged, the boy stayed quiet. He didn’t tell them he was the one who freed the bird.
But that night, the spirits came to him in his dreams. ‘You must speak your truth,’ they said. ‘Honesty is not always easy, but it is always sacred. To remain silent is to deny your spirit its voice.’
The next morning, the boy gathered his courage and told the others what he had done. At first, they were upset, but soon they understood his heart. He spoke of the beauty of the bird, of its right to live, and of the connection he felt when it soared into the sky.
From that day on, the boy lived honestly—not just in what he said, but in how he listened to his spirit, allowing his truth to guide his actions.”_
Reflecting on this teaching, I realize it’s one of the hardest for me to embrace—not because I don’t value honesty, but because it asks for a truth that begins within myself.
I struggle with being honest about my own limits, often pushing myself too hard and feeling the backlash later. Yet I still do it, caught in the cycle of striving beyond what my spirit truly needs. Honesty teaches me to face that reality and respect my boundaries, rather than ignore them in pursuit of more.
I look in the mirror and instead of seeing the beauty that is there, I see the flaws—the things I wish were different. Honesty asks me to look deeper, to honor both the strengths and imperfections that make me whole. It challenges me to treat myself with the same respect I offer to others, to find truth in vulnerability, and to trust that living honestly will guide me toward balance and growth.
Honesty also feels like a reminder to listen to my spirit—the voice that sometimes gets drowned out by the noise of doubt or fear. It’s about finding the courage to speak my truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and recognizing that each step toward authenticity is sacred.
Perhaps this teaching is where I need to start—by holding up the mirror and finding the courage to see my reflection not just as it is, but as sacred, guided by love and truth. Living with honesty feels like a journey toward balance, acceptance, and deeper connection to myself and the world around me.
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.
Who am I? 
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