As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, my moral compass has been greatly influenced by Chippewa culture and tradition. For centuries, Chippewa have practiced the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers: Nibwaakaawin, Zaagidwin, Minadendmowi, Aakdewin, Debwewin, Dbaadendizwin, and Gwekwaadziwin. Each Grandfather represents the different values of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, truth, humility, or honesty. Chippewa believe these seven attributes serve as a guideline for how we should treat each human on a daily basis. In my life, I find myself in different situations where I apply one or more of the Grandfather’s principles. My cultural practices have successfully guided me to execute a counseling position within my community--an experience that has allowed me to strengthen my morals.
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My principles have been one of the most powerful and effective tools in interacting with over seventy-five campers during six weeks at Hidden Hollow Camp. For instance, I met a fourteen year-old boy named Jordan my first year as a Junior Counselor. Jordan, who had Autism, was not enjoying the fast-paced weekly dance and was sitting by himself. I sat next to him, and we talked about all of the fun he had during his week at camp, which made him realize he was ready to rejoin the other campers. After seeing Jordan go from being upset to dancing and laughing with the other campers, I realized my actions had started a chain reaction. By conveying kindness, the teaching of Zaagidwin, I was able to spark Jordan’s courage--Aakdewin’s attribute--to step outside of his comfort zone. By joining the rest of the children, Jordan had instigated the campers to express humility, or Dbaadendizwin’s value. My experience with Jordan was an incentive for me to continue sharing my morals with society through
My principles have been one of the most powerful and effective tools in interacting with over seventy-five campers during six weeks at Hidden Hollow Camp. For instance, I met a fourteen year-old boy named Jordan my first year as a Junior Counselor. Jordan, who had Autism, was not enjoying the fast-paced weekly dance and was sitting by himself. I sat next to him, and we talked about all of the fun he had during his week at camp, which made him realize he was ready to rejoin the other campers. After seeing Jordan go from being upset to dancing and laughing with the other campers, I realized my actions had started a chain reaction. By conveying kindness, the teaching of Zaagidwin, I was able to spark Jordan’s courage--Aakdewin’s attribute--to step outside of his comfort zone. By joining the rest of the children, Jordan had instigated the campers to express humility, or Dbaadendizwin’s value. My experience with Jordan was an incentive for me to continue sharing my morals with society through