Video # 2 intro to 7 Grandfather teachings

Summary

This video provides an insightful exploration of Anishnabe traditions, sharing teachings, crafts, and stories. The narrator introduces viewers to cultural practices, including the Seven Grandfather teachings, which focus on respect, courage, honesty, truth, wisdom, love, and humility. Various traditional items such as birch bark, porcupine quill work, and handmade crafts are showcased, along with a personal booth displaying these teachings. Additionally, the video reflects on the significance of relationships, cultural preservation, and the importance of recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The narrator also touches on the use of natural resources and the connection to the land.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video features a show-and-tell session, where the speaker shares their perspective on Indigenous teachings, focusing on the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
• 😀 The video introduces the Heritage Tinger Old Stone House National Historic Site, which is a significant landmark linked to a historical figure, Artinger, and his love story.
• 😀 The speaker shares the history and importance of the garden at the Old Stone House, which grows through the summer and is harvested in the fall.
• 😀 An honorary Gunnery title was awarded to the speaker for firing a cannon at the site, which is a memorable and loud experience.
• 😀 The speaker highlights Indigenous craftsmanship, such as a birch bark canoe and various handcrafted items, to show the rich cultural heritage of the people.
• 😀 The video introduces a traditional Anishnabe chef who is preparing food over an open fire, showcasing the connection to food and culture.
• 😀 The speaker's family is involved in crafting bull rush mats, which are made from natural materials native to the region.
• 😀 A key part of the speaker's booth includes porcupine quill work, where quills are dyed using natural methods and applied to birch bark for artwork.
• 😀 The Seven Grandfather Teachings, which include respect, courage, honesty, truth, wisdom, love, and humility, are emphasized as essential values for living a good life and building relationships.
• 😀 The speaker showcases various items such as dream catchers, seal skin boots, and animal parts used for traditional crafts, symbolizing the respect for nature and the animals that sustain their people.
• 😀 The speaker encourages viewers to engage with materials on Truth and Reconciliation, highlighting films and documentaries as valuable resources for understanding Indigenous culture and history.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Heritage Tinger Old Stone House mentioned in the video?

The Heritage Tinger Old Stone House is a National Historic Site that was built by a man named Artinger, who settled in the region and built the house for the love of his life. It represents a historical connection to the area's past and is a key part of the community's heritage.

What is the honorary title mentioned in the video for firing the cannon?

The honorary title given to the individual who fires the cannon is 'Honorary Gunner' or 'Honorary Gunnery.' The speaker was given this title after they fired the cannon during an event.

What materials are used to create the crafts mentioned in the video, like the canoe and mats?

The crafts featured in the video, such as the canoe and bull rush mats, are made from natural materials found in the region, such as birch bark and rush plants. The canoe is crafted from birch bark, and the mats are woven using parts of plants native to the area.

What is the purpose of the porcupine quill workstation shown in the video?

The porcupine quill workstation is where the speaker demonstrates the traditional craft of using porcupine quills to create decorative art. The quills are harvested, dyed using natural or commercial dyes, and then used to create intricate designs on birch bark, such as the butterfly pattern shown in the video.

How were the quills originally dyed before modern products were available?

Before modern commercial dyes, quills were dyed using natural materials from the environment. This included using berries, minerals, bark, and even crushed beetles to create the desired colors for the quills.

What are the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and why are they important?

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are principles that guide individuals in maintaining positive relationships. These teachings—respect, courage, honesty, truth, wisdom, love, and humility—are considered essential for living a good life and were passed down to a young boy in the creation story to help him survive and thrive in the world.

How does the speaker explain the connection between the Seven Grandfather Teachings and daily life?

The speaker explains that the Seven Grandfather Teachings are universal and can be applied to any relationship—whether it be friendship, family, or love. These teachings are important for fostering healthy and respectful relationships and are shared to help guide people toward a good life.

What is the significance of the traditional crafts like black ash baskets and deer hooves?

Traditional crafts like black ash baskets and deer hooves represent the sustainable use of resources and the connection to nature. The baskets are woven from ash trees, and deer hooves are used in crafting dance outfits. These crafts honor the animals and plants of the region, reflecting a deep respect for nature and resourcefulness.

What is a dream catcher, and what role does it play in the video?

A dream catcher is a well-known cultural artifact used in Indigenous spirituality. In the video, it is described as something that helps ensure good dreams and spiritual well-being. Dream catchers are crafted with specific teachings in mind and are part of the speaker's personal medicine bag, representing the spiritual beliefs tied to their Ojibway heritage.

What does the speaker mention about seal skin boots and their significance?

The speaker mentions seal skin boots as an example of using animal resources sustainably. The boots were given to the speaker's daughter, and they are made from seal skin, which is waterproof, making them ideal for the harsh, cold environment of Alaska. The use of seal skin reflects the broader practice of using all parts of animals for various purposes, including clothing and crafts.