Indigenous peoples, often referred to as Aboriginal peoples, are the original inhabitants of North America and their descendants. In Canada, the constitution recognizes three groups of Aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. These groups have distinct histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Their unique ethical systems are deeply rooted in their traditions, spiritual beliefs, and relationships with the land. These ethics guide their everyday life, decision-making processes, and their approach to community and family relationships.
The Seven Grandfather Teachings have always been a part of the Native American culture. Their roots date back to the beginning of time. These teachings impact our surroundings, along with providing guidance toward our actions to one another. The teachings are as follows:
Love: Knowing love is to know peace. Our love must be unconditional. Love is a strong affection for another. This can form between friends and family. Love is an attachment based upon devotion, admiration, tenderness, and kindness for all things around you. For one to love and accept themselves is to live at peace with the Creator and in harmony with all of creation.
Respect: A way to honor creation is by showing respect. We demonstrate respect by realizing the value of all people and things, and by showing courteous consideration and appreciation. We must give respect if we wish to be respected.
Bravery: Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty. We do what is right even when the consequences may be unpleasant. We face life with the courage to use our personal strengths to face difficulties, stand tall through adversity, and make positive choices.
Truth: Truth is having the knowledge of our cultural teachings. It gives us the ability to act without regret. We must understand, speak, and feel the truth, while also honoring its power.
Honesty: Facing a situation is to be brave, but having the courage to not only do the right thing, but also saying it, is honesty. We must allow truth to be our guide. We must first be honest with ourselves. This will allow us to be honest with others.
Humility: Humility is to know that we are a part of creation. We must always consider ourselves equal to one another. We should never think of ourselves as being better or worse than anyone else.
Wisdom: The mixture of these teachings, combined with the experiences of life, is what we refer to as wisdom. The Creator gave it to us to use for good. Wisdom carries other meanings, which also include intelligence or knowledge. When we cherish our knowledge or intelligence, we are also cherishing our wisdom
(Source: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi)
The Inuit are the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The word Inuit means "the people" in the Inuit language of Inuktitut. Inuit ethics are deeply connected to the environment, with principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility guiding their interactions with the natural world. For instance, the principle of respect is manifested in the Inuit's sustainable hunting practices, where every part of an animal is used and nothing is wasted. Reciprocity is reflected in their belief in the interconnectedness of all living things, and responsibility is demonstrated in their stewardship of the land and its resources.
The Inuit ethic of reciprocity is deeply rooted in their culture and way of life. However, finding specific examples and detailed explanations online is challenging. It's important to note that the Inuit people have a profound respect for the land, animals, and each other, and this respect is often expressed through acts of sharing and cooperation, which can be seen as a form of reciprocity. For example, in hunting, the catch is often shared among the community, reflecting the principle of giving and receiving.
The Métis are people of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. Métis ethics place a strong emphasis on community, respect for the land, and the value of balance, drawing from both Indigenous and European values. The term Métis is complex and contentious, and has different historical and contemporary meanings. It is used to describe communities of mixed European and Indigenous descent across Canada, and a specific community of people — defined as the Métis Nation — which originated largely in Western Canada and emerged as a political force in the 19th century, radiating outwards from the Red River Settlement. While the Canadian government politically marginalized the Métis after 1885, they have since been recognized as an Aboriginal people with rights enshrined in the Constitution of Canada and more clearly defined in a series of Supreme Court of Canada decisions.
The Métis ethic of balance is also a fundamental part of their worldview. However, specific examples and detailed explanations are difficult to find online. The concept of balance for the Métis could be interpreted as maintaining harmony between different aspects of life, such as the individual and the community, humans and nature, and the physical and spiritual worlds. This might be reflected in their practices of resource management, community decision-making, and spiritual rituals.
In conclusion, the ethics of Indigenous cultures are deeply intertwined with their histories, traditions, and relationships with the land. These ethical systems, while diverse, share common themes of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility. They offer valuable insights into sustainable living and community-building, and continue to guide Indigenous peoples in their daily lives and decision-making processes. As we strive for a more inclusive and equitable society, it is essential that we recognize and respect these Indigenous ethics and the rich cultural diversity they represent.
Please note that these interpretations are based on general knowledge about Indigenous cultures and may not fully capture the depth and nuances of these ethical principles. For a more accurate and comprehensive understanding, it would be best to engage with Indigenous communities directly or refer to academic research on these topics.