I read the following article in the October 22 issue of Tekawennake News. The Seven (The last four will be in the next issue) Philosophies were compiled by White Bison, Inc., an American Indian non-profit corporation, with the help of Elders who guided the Gathering of Native American Men which was held in Colorado in June, 1996. They were written with Indian men in mind. -Deantha
First Philosophy: To the Women
The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So, from now on:
I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon the women in a sacred manner.
In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will work with her to create a home atmosphere of respect, security and harmony.
I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance.
I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives.
This is my vow.
Second Philosophy: To the Children
As an eagle prepares its young to leave the nest with all the skills and knowledge it needs to participate in life, in the same manner so will I guide my children. I will use the culture to prepare them for life.
The most important thing I can give to my children is my time.
I will spend time with them in order to learn from them and to listen to them.
I will teach my children to pray, as well as the importance of respect.
We are the caretakers of the children for the Creator. They are His children, not ours.
I am proud of our own Native language. I will learn it if I can and help my children to learn it.
In today’s world it is easy for the children to go astray, so I will work to provide positive alternatives for them. I will teach them the culture. I will encourage education. I will encourage sports. I will encourage them to talk with the Elders for guidance; but mostly, I will seek to be a role model myself. I make this commitment to my children so they will have courage and find guidance through traditional ways.
Third Philosophy: To the Family
The Creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent, and to the child. The children’s behaviour is a mirror of the parent’s behaviour. Knowing this, I realize the importance for each Indian man to be responsible to the family in order to fulfill the need to build a strong and balanced family. By doing this, I will break the cycle of hurt and ensure the positive mental health of the children, even the children yet to be born. So, from now on:
I will dedicate my priorities to rebuilding my family. I must never give up and leave my family only to the mother.
I am accountable to restore the strength of my family. To do this, I will nurture our family’s spiritual, cultural and social health. I will demonstrate trust, respect, honor and discipline; but mostly, I will be consistent in whatever I do with them.
I will see that the grandparents and community Elders play a significant role in the education of my children.
I realize that the male and female together are fundamental to our family life. I will listen to my maters council for our family’s benefit, as well as for the benefit for my Indian Nation.
