A set of guiding principles that are found in many nations, sometimes called the Seven Grandfather Teachings , Seven Grandmother Teachings, or Seven Ancestor Teachings. Each characteristic has a corresponding animal representative of that principle:

• Wisdom is represented by the Beaver who uses their gifts to cut down trees and build dams to help their community, their family and themselves

• Bravery/Courage is represented by Bear who has great strength and courage which we need to face our greatest enemy - ourselves

• Honesty is represented by the Sabe (Sasquatch) and reminds us to be honest with ourselves and our actions, and to have self-awareness.

• Respect is represented by the Buffalo which provided Indigenous peoples with everything they needed to survive. We must respect all living things.

• Truth is represented by the Turtle which carries teachings related to the beginning of life on its back, as well as symbols representing cycles of life. The turtle can adapt to change while remaining true to itself.

• Humility is represented by the Wolf who is strong and powerful but most importantly understands their role in the pack to ensure survival of their family.

• Love is represented by the Eagle who flies high, sees all of creation (including us) and carries all the teachings which include love throughout.

Medicine Wheels are a visual representation of traditional teachings in Indigenous cultures and are used as a guide through your journey. Within medicine wheels there are many teachings, "Some of these rings include: seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), times of day (morning, afternoon, evening, night), stages of life (infant, youth, adult, Elder), and life givers (earth, sun, water, air)" (Bell, 2016, p. 15).

The medicine wheel can be used to represent the holistic search for knowledge which will lead to wisdom. Wisdom is achieved when an individual is "able create some action with the learning, and teach it to others" (Bell, 2016, p. 18).

8 Ways is a pedagogical framework that focuses on story, visual learning, symbols, hands-on practice, and connecting to land and community, "It is all about relational responsiveness, a protocol of attending to relational obligations to the field you're working in, relating and responding holistically to people, land, culture, language, spirit and the relationships between these with integrity and intellectual rigour." 8 ways is a beginning point for learning and invites learners to, "Tell a story. Make a plan. Think and do. Draw it. Take it outside. Try a new way. Watch first, then do. Share it with others."

Inuit traditional knowledge which presents "...competencies, worldview and knowledge base" for the Inuit peoples (MacGregor, 2012) and includes:

Natural Laws

• Working for the common good

• Being respectful of all living things

• Maintaining harmony

• Continually planning/preparing for a better future

The natural laws are supplemented by the “communal laws,” commonly referred to as “IQ principles”:

• Inuuqatigiitsiarniq – respecting others, relationships and caring for people

• Tunnganarniq – fostering good spirit by being open, welcoming and inclusive

• Pijitsirniq – serving and providing for family or community or both

• Aajiiqatigiinniq – decision making through discussion and consensus

• Pilimmaksarniq – development of skills through practice, effort, and action

• Piliriqatigiinniq – working together for a common cause

• Qanuqtuurniq – being innovative and resourceful

• Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq – respect and care for the land, animals, and the environment

This way of knowing sets out a path of life for an individual, which is, infancy, youth, adulthood, and old age.

There are perspectives identified at each stage about what the individual is likely experiencing, how they should be treated, and what they have to offer the community. Different ceremonies mark the transition between stages, but also take place during stages. This way of knowing is beneficial to educators as it can guide our approach to a student depending on what stage of life they are traveling through. For example, for young adult learners we see they are "standing on their own, making decisions, determining their own truth in life" so we may want to ensure they have agency and feel empowered in our classrooms.