Anishinabe
Of The Water
The official website of the
Sharbot Mishigama Anishinabe AlgonquinFirst
Nation Membership.
The Code Of Ethics For
Native People
By: Mary Lou Smoke
- GIVE THANKS Each morning when you awake and before you goto sleep
in the evening. give thanks to the Creator for this beautiful life that
we have. honor the Creator by offering some sacred semma (tobacco) that
has been given to us as one of our medicines by laying it down on the
ground when you pray. Give thanks for all the good things that the
Creator has blessed you with and pray for others who are not as
fortunate. Think of all of the things that you have accomplished
yesterday, and if it wasn't a productive day ask for the courage and
the strength to try harder. Be a better person. Ask not for prayers
just yourself, but for others. Save asking for prayers for yourself for
last or not at all
- Be Respectful Every person from the littlest baby to the frailest
elder deserves to be treated with respect at all time. Never touch
anyone's sacred objects unless you have permission. Speak highly of
others as if they were in presence-never put anyone down. Listen
politely to what others say- even if it is not something that you feel
is not worthwhile or meaningful. Every body is entitled to there
own opinion and should have an opportunity to share it. You must learn
to listen and listen well. We have to learn what the Elders have to
teach us. It will one day be our responsibility to teach the young ones.
- BE THANKFUL AND HONORABLE - at all times not just when you
know that your behavior is being observed.
- HONOR YOUR GUEST - When Company Comes to your house, bring out
your finest china and best blankets. Offer them the use of you
moccasins if you have extra one. Bake your best breads and pastries.
Serve the finest that you have to offer.
- WELCOME NEWCOMERS AND OUTSIDERS - With a loving heart and as part
of your extended family.
- SEE THE BEAUTY IN ALL PEOPLE - We are individual and unique, Like
a meadow of flowers . When we are gathered together we become one
beautiful bouquet of flowers and should be respected as we are all
fragile.
- SERVE OTHERS - Help your family members and your community.
Volunteer your services. The main reason we Anishinawbe people are
placed here on the Turtle Island is to help each other survive. True
happiness comes to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
- MODERATION AND BALANCE - Make sure that your life is balanced
emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally.
- IDENTIFY BAD AND GOOD - Learn to Identify your reaction to
things. Smoking the one cigarette could lead to smoking cartons. Having
that one sip of alcohol could lead to years of unsuccessful attempts at
trying to quit again.
- LISTEN TO YOU HEART- If something that someone is doing does not
seem right or feel right - leave. I have always been a firm believer of
gut instinct. If it doesn't feel right in your heart then it probably
isn't. Most of us are taught to think with our trained brains and our
intuition is seldom used.
Spiritual Teachings