The Seven Grandfathers tell us that the Creator says:

Each of these 7 teachings must be used with the rest; you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth…to leave one out is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.

Humility is represented by the wolf, since for the wolf; life is lived for their pack. We learn in this teaching to live life selflessly, and not selfishly; to think of others with as much or more importance than we think of ourselves. Respect your place on Mother Earth just as Creator has given it to you; carry pride for your people, and praise the accomplishments of all. Find balance within yourself and all living things.

Artist: Manley Elwood Jones (Kegadonce), age 68

I was born on Neyaahiinigming First Nation. I am Ojibway, and a part of the Otter clan. It is a great privilege to participate and have my artwork displayed at Queen’s University. This opportunity gives me the honour of showing our First Nations culture and heritage through art. I am proud to be a First Nations man and artist.

The Seven Grandfathers tell us that the Creator says

Each of these 7 teachings must be used with the rest; you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth…to leave one out is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.

To walk through life with integrity is to know honesty. The Sabe (Sasquatch) represents the teaching of honesty because he knows who he is in his life, and how to walk in a good way. An honest person is said to “walk tall like the Kitchi-Sabe”; he does not seek the power, speed or beauty of others. Be honest with yourself; recognize and accept who you are.  Accept and use the gifts you have been given by the Creator.  Do not seek to deceive yourself or others.

Artist: Manley Elwood Jones (Kegadonce), age 68

I was born on Neyaahiinigming First Nation. I am Ojibway, and a part of the Otter clan. It is a great privilege to participate and have my artwork displayed at Queen’s University. This opportunity gives me the honour of showing our First Nations culture and heritage through art. I am proud to be a First Nations man and artist.

The Seven Grandfathers tell us that the Creator says

Each of these 7 teachings must be used with the rest; you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth…to leave one out is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.

With this teaching we learn that with hard work and dedication comes Wisdom. We are taught to use the gifts that the Creator has given us wisely and to live our lives by those unique gifts. To be wise is to recognize your differences and those of others around you in a loving and respectful way. Respect your own boundaries and those of all your surroundings. Permit yourself to discover and live by your inherent wisdom.

Artist: Austin Elijah, age 25

I am from Southwold Ontario, Oneida Nation, and I am a film maker and musician. In the community I make short films about my language and culture. Making those films made me proud of what I was doing for my community, and who I am representing in my heritage to show to future generations. That is what these paintings mean to me; they are something to show to those who come after me. I want to preserve my culture, almost like I am a warrior saving my people. It’s a good feeling; that’s what these paintings are giving me. I am proud and honoured to be asked to use my talents from the Creator in this way. To Queen’s University, I am so thankful.

The Seven Grandfathers tell us that the Creator says

Each of these 7 teachings must be used with the rest; you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth…to leave one out is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.

This painting in particular validates the strength and courage that those who have come before us have modelled. The men and women dancers bring balance to each other, while in the background the Bear—a symbol of courage as per our traditional teachings—is a reminder that our bravery is always within us. Our inner bear gives us the strength to face the hardships of life, while still having the courage to be ourselves; to defend what we believe in, and what is right our community, family and self.

Artist: Scott Rigby, age 41

My name is Scott Rigby, and I am 41 years old. My mother is of Cree/Irish descent, and was abandoned because she was not accepted by her First Nations community due to her mixed blood. Aboriginal social history, and its intergenerational impacts have affected me and my family greatly; it has personally stunted my identity. The opportunity to be a part of this project is therapeutic for me. To be involved in my culture in a way that is positive is invaluable to me.

The Seven Grandfathers tell us that the Creator says:

Each of these 7 teachings must be used with the rest; you cannot have wisdom without love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth…to leave one out is to embrace the opposite of what that teaching is.

To know true love is to know peace. This painting represents the teaching of Love. Although the Eagle is the animal symbol for this teaching, the hummingbirds were chosen because it is also a spirit animal in Aboriginal spirituality. The hummingbird symbolizes the enjoyment of life and lightness of being; they teach us to lift up negativity wherever it creeps in, and express love more fully in our daily endeavours.

Artist: Austin Elijah, age 25

I am from Southwold Ontario, Oneida Nation, and I am a film maker and musician. In the community I make short films about my language and culture. Making those films made me proud of what I was doing for my community, and who I am representing in my heritage to show to future generations. That is what these paintings mean to me; they are something to show to those who come after me. I want to preserve my culture, almost like I am a warrior saving my people. It’s a good feeling; that’s what these paintings are giving me. I am proud and honoured to be asked to use my talents from the Creator in this way. To Queen’s University, I am so thankful.