WETCC Anishinaabe Values

Debwewin

The literal translation of this word is the sound of your heart. Each of us holds the truth in our heart and when we live the value of debwewin, we express that truth in everything we do.

Zoongide´ewin

The literal translation of the word is strong heart. When we have a strong heart, we are able to face challenges with courage and integrity. A person living the value of zoongide´ewin acknowledges her own weaknesses and faces them with a strong heart.

Manaaji´idiwin

When we live the value of manaaji´idiwin we give respect to each other. In the Anishinaabe worldview, everything has a spirit and therefore deserves respect. This concept is included in this word.

Gwayakwaadiziwin

The literal translation of this is word is to be correct or straight in everything that we do. If an individual lives the value of gwayakwaadiziwin, she must do what is right for the group and hold herself and others to high standards of integrity.

Zaagi´idiwin

If we act out of love for each other and ourselves in everything we do, we are living the value of zaagi´idiwin.

Nibwaakaawin

The literal translation of this word is an abundance of wisdom. When we live the value of nibwaakaawin, we seek to learn all that we can in a respectful manner and take the time to reflect upon our teachings.

Dabasendizowin

When we live the values of debwewin, zoongide´ewin, manaaji´idiwin, gwayakwaadiziwin, zaagi´idiwin, and nibwaakaawin we can hold our selves in low regard as this word indicates without having low self esteem. We understand that we are humble beings and conduct ourselves accordingly.

Traditional Code of Ethics

As we live the seven teachings the way our ancestors did, gibimiwidoomin gidinwewininaan (we are carrying along the way that we were given to sound).

We further express these values through the following traditional code of ethics:

1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for good things the Creator has given you and others and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day, and seek for the courage and to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit everyone. Nibwaakaadiziwin. Zoongide´eiwin. Manaaji´idiwin. Dabasendizowin. Gwayakwaadiziwin. Debwewin.
2. Respect means “to feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something” understanding that we are all on the circle of life and everyone and everything is important. Showing respect is the basic law of life. Manaaji´idiwin. Zaagi´idiwin. Gwayakwaadiziwin.
   • Treat every person, from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.
   • Special respect should be given to elders, parents, teachers and community leaders.
   • No person should be made to feel “put down´ by you: avoid hurting others hearts as you would a deadly poison.
   • Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially sacred objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.
   • Respect the privacy of every person. Never intrude in a person´s quiet moments or personal space.
   • Never walk between or interrupt people who are conversing.
   • Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of elders, strangers, or others to whom special respect is due.
   • Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where elders are present (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).
   • Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.
   • Treat the earth and all her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect to the mineral plant, and the animal worlds. Do nothing to pollute the air or the soft. If others would destroy our mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.
   • Show deep respect for the beliefs and religions of others.
   • Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.
   • Respect the wisdom of people in council. Once you give an idea to the council or a meeting, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you should not insist that your ideas prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you contributed. The clash of the ideas brings forth the spark of truth.
3. Be truthful at all times and under all conditions. Debwewin. Gwayakwaadiziwin. Zoongide´eiwin.
4. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house and your best service to your guests. Zaagi´idiwin. Manaaji´idiwin. Gwayakwaadiziwin.
5. The hurt of one is the hurt of all; the honor of one is the honor of all. Zaagi´idiwin. Dabasendizowin. Debwewin.
6. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family. Zaagi´idiwin. Manaaji´idiwin.
7. All the races and nations in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful children of the Creator and must be respected. Manaaji´idiwin. Zaagi´idiwin. Dabasendizowin. Debwewin.
8. To serve others, to be of use to family, community, nation or the world is one of the purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important task. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others. Dabasendizowin. Zaagi´idiwin. Zoongide´eiwin. Nibwaakaawin.
9. Observe moderation and balance in all things. Nibwaakaawin. Manaaji´idiwin. Zaagi´idiwin. Gwayakwaadiziwin. Dabasendizowin.
10. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction. Nibwaakaawin.
11. Listen to, and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude and the words and deeds of wise elders and friends. Debwewin.