Faith Development
Catholic Faith Interwoven with Indigenous Spirituality
Pope Francis' Laudato Si
One of the many marvellous things about Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home," is that it is written to all of mankind. In his address, Pope Francis recognizes the relationship with the First Nations worldview that everything is connected. All creatures, including human beings are all linked together to make up systems. He states, “in this sense, it is essential to show special care for Indigenous communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners, especially when large projects affecting their land are proposed. For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values (146)." As we move forward in Truth and Reconciliation, Pope Francis encourages us to come together for our Mother Earth to build a better home for all our future generations.
(source: Red Deer Catholic Regional School)
Integrating the Fruits of the Spirit with the Seven Grandfather Teachings
Fruits of the Spirit
Habits or character traits found in a person who is trying to live like Jesus under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Fruits of the Spirit
Self-Control
Kindness
Faithfulness
Joy
Patience
Love
Generosity
Peace
Modesty
Gentleness
Monthly Fruits of the Holy Spirit Resources
Seven Grandfather Teachings
Wisdom
Love
Respect
Bravery
Honesty
Humility
Truth
"The Seven Sacred Teachings are at the foundation of North American Indigenous belief. These teachings honor spiritual law and bring us back to our connection to the land—to nature. The Seven Sacred Teachings are represented by seven animals. Each animal offers a special gift and understanding of how we as people should live our lives on Mother Earth."
--Dave Courchene/ Neeghani Aki Innini (Leading Earth Man, source: Red Deer Catholic Regional School) )
Live SCCDSB Event with Cecil Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory
Chi Miigwech to elder, Cecil Isaac, for connecting the seven grandfather teachings with us in a live event across classrooms! We learned so much about how to apply the seven grandfather teachings to our life!
<-- "Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers" - scroll down to the "Seven Teachings" (image shown) for an interactive page and hover over each animal to read more about the corresponding teaching.
Art Connections with the Seven Grandfather Teachings
SELF-PORTRAIT – Seven Grandfather Teachings - Crayola Teachers.pdfSEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS – Clay, Texture - Crayola Teachers.pdfThe Seven Sacred Teachings Read by David Bouchard
How is the artwork or values connected to something you know about?
What new ideas or impressions do you have that extended your thinking in new directions?
What do you wonder about?
What are 3 new ideas you learned from the reading?
What are 2 values you connect with?
What is 1 question you have?
Lessons From the Earth Online Teaching Resource
Check out this resource kit to use in the classroom that directly links to the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations, the Catholic Virtues and the 7 Sacred Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabek.
Lessons From the Earth: Storytelling, Art & Indigenous Knowledge Teacher Resource Kit funded by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
“Lessons From the Earth is a resource guide for educators that provides a practical application of Indigenous Knowledge into the classroom. The focus of learning is grounded in a traditional Anishinaabe story, Jiig Nong Aadsookan, The Fisher Story. Included are sample lessons and video modules that support the traditional teachings embedded within the story. Lessons From the Earth is a provocation for student inquiry into topics such as the environment, First Peoples of Canada, Science, Social Studies, as well as important concepts such as love, respect and balance.” Jodie Williams
World Religions
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Spirituality Links from CARFLEO
The Medicine Wheel
Medicine Wheel Presentation Cecil Isaac 2020 .pptCecil Isaac's 2020 Presentation on the Medicine Wheel