Seven Grandfather Teachings and Local Values
When building Indigenous community food systems, Tribal communities may want to have discussions on what traditions and values guide this planning. It is helpful to have these discussions early as this can help provide structure to programming and any outreach activities. For the Menominee Food Sovereignty project, planners were mindful of these systems and became more intentional about planning as work progressed. Indigenous planning systems vary by region, location, and Tribal community and this eFieldbook is mindful of the diversity throughout Turtle Island. For Menominee, there are multiple systems that guide planning. These systems are related to each other and not one system stands alone. Some are specific to the Menominee people and others have been adapted to fit the community. The Seven Grandfather teachings can be found among many Tribes. Within the Menominee Indian Reservation, these have been adapted and translated into the Menominee language. The Menominee Indian School District created a curriculum for use within schools. The district also created posters, and those are attached with this eFieldbook as examples. These teachings are connected to food sovereignty, and those working with food sovereignty are mindful of them. Following are the Menominee translations, the English meaning, and how they connect to local food sovereignty efforts. Metākonaeniw … or generosity in English. Food is a gift to be shared. We make sure to share food and serve others before feeding ourselves. We are generous with our seeds and plants. Community members are aware of this and will take what they need for their homes and for their families. Menācehaewak … or respect in English. We respect the world around us and all the relationships that exist within it. We show gratitude to plants, animals, the environment, and each other. We are mindful of taking only what is needed and making sure there are resources available for others. Nepuahkah … or wisdom in English. We acknowledge the wisdom of our ancestors that exists in the language, the land, the clans, the moons, and countless other knowledge systems. We are thankful for the wisdom and knowledge that our community educators and program participants share. As a collective, we understand our responsibilities in sharing this wisdom and making it a part of food sovereignty work. Onāmwan … or truth in English. At food sovereignty gatherings and meetings, we work hard to honor people’s truths. It is important that Indigenous food sovereignty work provi des a safe space for learning and sharing that is free from judgement. Tapānewak … or love in English. Food sovereignty work should be done with love for the environment and with love for community. When planting, harvesting, cooking, and engaging with food, we do so with love and intention, knowing that those positive feelings are passed on to others.
Tatepahwak … or humility in English. We understand our place in this world and that there is much to be learned. As humans, we are a part of many systems and are not more important than any other part of
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