Kapaweno First Nation – Guided by the insight of our Elder Knowledge Council and Keepers, the Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak School and Buffalo Bay Academy strives for balance and lateral kindness, embracing the Seven Sacred Grandmother / Grandfather Teachings, foundational to our Nêhiyawak way of life.
Our Grandmother / Grandfather teachings we install are; Sakihitowin (love), Manacihtowin (respect), Sohkitehewin (courage), Kwayaskitatsowin
(honesty), Iyinisiwin (wisdom), Tapahteyimisowin (humility), and Tapwewin (Truth).
Lateral kindness and our teachings are taught and discussed daily at our schools from the administration to our teachers, staff and students.
Sakihitowin (Love): The Elders Knowledge Council teaches that Sakihitowin is the root from which all good things grow. Sakihitowin, like the embrace of a family, must be unconditional and ever-present in our hearts.
Manacihtowin (Respect): Sakawmostos (Buffalo), teaches us as our elders knowledge keepers sayy, is to walk through life with a deep appreciation for all creation. Like we move with a respect that acknowledges and honor’s all forms of life.
Sohkitehewin (Courage): Muskwa (bear), symbolizing Sohkitehewin, teaches us to face our fears and challenges with bravery. Our elders and knowledge keepers teach us that Sohkitehewin represents the strength to confront our fears and challenges with courage.
Kwayaskitatsowin (Honesty): Mistapew (Sasquatch), a being of integrity, embodies Kwayaskitatsowin. Our Council emphasizes the importance of Kwayaskitatsowin in our words and actions, ensuring our spirits walk in truth.
Kiskenihtamawisiwin (Wisdom): Amisk (Beaver), known for its ingenuity, represents Kiskenihtamawisiwin. As our elders knowledge keepers teach, comes from living a life of reflection, learning, and respecting the knowledge passed down through generations.
Kisiwatisiwin (Humility): Mahikan (Wolf) teaches Kisiwatisiwin. Our elders knowledge keepers guide us to understand our place within the circle of life, reminding us that humility involves listening more than speaking, and learning as much as teaching.
Tapwewin (Truth): Mihkinahk (Turtle) carries its shell, so too must we carry Tapwewin, Our elders knowledge keepers explain, is living authentically, upholding the values of our community, and being true to ourselves and others.
The Kapawe’no Nêhiyawak Elder Knowledge Council / Keepers encourage us to embody these teachings daily. They remind us that these principles are paths to a fulfilling and harmonious life, deeply rooted in our Nêhiyawak way of life.
Last modified: February 29, 2024
