FRAMEWORK FOR HEALING/ ANISHINAABE MINO BIMADIZIWIN PRINCIPLES
FRAMEWORK FOR HEALING
Skennen or Peace:
This is the first and main principles of the Great Law of Peace. People can cultivate the good feelings of
friendship, love and honour amongst us. We have been instructed to use our Spiritual gifts to create and
strengthen our truthfulness, charity, home and unity so the People will have one mind, one body and one life.
As Skennen spreads over the people, all of the nations will become one nation and all People will be one family.
Ganikwiyo or Ka’nikonhri:yo, the Good Mind:
People can share their strength by using the power of reason and rational thought to determine the truth of
existence. Harmony is possible when all minds come together in their concepts of the universal truths.
Ultimately some things have to be taken on belief, with trust, confidence and obedience that the results will be
beneficial. People must render constant thanks and homage for what they have – the changes in the seasons,
the life-giving foods, life itself, our social protocols, and good fortune.
Gendao or Atenitennitshera, Showing Compassion/Empathy:
We must give people three chances to reform their evil ways, but only murder and rape cannot be forgiven. We
must help people learn our way of life, and not just criticize them for they don’t know, or what they may be
struggling with. We should have compassion and pity – understand or feel for someone. Generosity is an
expression of friendship and sharing, essential aspects of our lives. Reciprocity is important. Need to understand
that their thistles are a result of life’s hardships. Need to look beyond the thistles to their essence. One needs
compassion to do that.
Ganokwasra (Kanoronhkwathsera), Showing Deep Caring or Love:
People must speak the truth and not use words to be hurtful or duplicitous. Respect for parents, children, the
elders, for family, and community leaders must always be shown. Respect is earned by the conduct of the
people. Children must be respectful of their parents and relatives.
Gasahtsra or Ka’shastenhsera, Sharing Strength:
The life force within each of us is immortal and connects us to the spirit world. Its healthiness affects our daily
existence and we need to pay attention to our spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual needs. People must
give the best effort they can in all things. Courageous actions are important. From time to time we need to take
risks, not foolishly, but for the benefit of the family, community or nation.
Awehaode – Kind Soft Words (Kawenniyo or good words, in Mohawk):
We are not to use harsh words. Our words should be kind to show that we care for each other. There is no
swearing in the Haudenosaunee languages.
Gaskyoanyg or Kahre’tsyaronhsera – Words of Encouragement:
We should be bringing up the good words of Mother Earth to encourage people to do their best, and
acknowledge the effort that people are making.
(Winnie Thomas and Norma General of Awehaode Communications
Grand River Territory as captured by Rick Hill)
ANISHINAABE MINO BIMADIZIWIN PRINCIPLES
Upon completion, the student will have participated in this course in a manner that reflects their knowledge,
understanding and adherence to the principles of Mino Bimaadiziwin:
Anishinaabemowin (Speaking) – communicate and express ourselves with the creator and each other.
Anishinaabe Inaadiziwin (Behaving) – act and live in a manner that enables us to develop to our fullest
Anishinaabe Inedamowin (Thinking) – engaging our minds to the maximum intellectual, spiritual and intuitive
capacity
Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin (Knowing) – advance and carry on the knowledge of our origins and way of life
Anishinaabe Izhichigewin (Doing) – employ your skills to contribute and build a better community
Anishinaabe Enawendiwin (Relating to the Spirit/Creation) – build an all-encompassing relationship with the
world around us
Gidakiiminaan (Responsibility to the Land) – care for the earth and be aware of its fragility.
These guiding principles will be integrated with the learning process and the Seven Grandfather Teachings to
enable the student to achieve academic success and a sense of personal and professional achievement.