Raven Sutherland says introducing the seven sacred teachings to Aboriginal youth was becoming a lost art.
The mother-of-three on Wednesday said a series of ready-to-colour flashcards, designed by artist Patrick Cheechoo and distributed though the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Aboriginal liaison office, are a great way to ensure First Nations culture lives on and is taught at an early age.
“I think they’re pretty neat,” said Sutherland, who hails from James Bay.
“They have the teachings right on the back. The only time you can see that is on a poster. It’s nice to have it on cards for kids.”
Sutherland said learning about their culture is important for children of all ages and backgrounds. The seven sacred teachings are even more important to her and her family.
“They’re turtle clan so it’s great they can see what the representation is of the turtle,” Sutherland said.
Aboriginal culture is definitely on the endangered species list, she added.
“It’s something that should be incorporated into every school system and this is a great way to do it. It’s something hands-on for them,” Sutherland said.
The front of each card is adorned with an image representing one of the seven teachings, which include love, truth, bravery, honesty, humility, wisdom and respect. Images include an eagle, turtle, bear sasquatch, wolf, beaver and a buffalo.
“Each animal offers a special understanding of how we should live in harmony with our Creator, ourselves, with one another and with Mother Earth,” the cards read.
Const. John Walmark with the Aboriginal Liaison unit, said there’s a need in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community to learn more about First Nation culture.
“We really have to look at ways to engage. And a really good way to change a community is to change it through our youth,” Walmark said. “My vision was to create and put into the hands of the people these seven sacred teaching flash cards because the basis for our culture is in these seven sacred teachings.”
The cards, which will be distributed to agencies like Dilico Anishnawbek Family Care and should soon be available for download on the TBPS’s website, are an inexpensive way to distribute them to people and organizations who might not be able to afford more expensive versions already available in the marketplace.
And it’s an easy way to get a positive message across.
“The kids can colour and they can have fun while they learn about their culture.”
