Incorporating Ojibwe Teachings into Business Practices
The Ojibwe Seven Grandfather teachings, also known as the seven sacred teachings, are traditional concepts and values that originated from the Anishinaabe people. These teachings serve as guiding principles for living a balanced and harmonious life and can also be applied in the business world. Specific to Treaty Three Anishinaabe territory.
FSET acknowledges that it is on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Métis of Treaty #3. The City of Kenora was originally the land base of one collective First Nation community, which was separated into three communities now known as Wauzhushk Onigum, Niisaachewan, and Washagamis Bay First Nations. FSET is proud to work with First Nation communities to leverage technology as a tool to solve problems and change the world for the better. At FSET, we believe incorporating these teachings into our business operations will benefit our staff and promote positive relationships with clients and partners. We have integrated these teachings as values and guidance for all employees to follow when conducting business.
The Eight Teachings
Before discussing how these teachings can be incorporated into business operations, let’s first understand what they are and their significance. The seven sacred teachings are as follows:
- Wisdom (Nbi): To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions.
- Love (Zaagidewin): Love is the most powerful of all emotions, and it involves showing kindness, compassion, and respect towards others.
- Respect (Mnaadendimowin): Respect is about treating all living things with dignity and honour. It also includes showing consideration for oneself, others, and the environment.
- Bravery (Aakdehewingdizwin): Bravery is physical strength and courage to do what is right and stand up for one’s beliefs.
- Honesty (Gwekwaadziwin): Being truthful in all our actions promotes trust and integrity, which are essential in business relationships.
- Humility (Dabaadendiziwin): Humility involves being modest and not bragging about one’s accomplishments. It also means acknowledging that we are all equal and interconnected.
- Truth (Debwewin): Truth is about living with honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. It also involves speaking the truth without harming others.
- Forgiveness (Pagitentamowin): The eighth teaching of the Grandfather is particular to the Treaty Three Anishinaabe Territory. It reminds us that forgiving and progressing is wiser than burdening ourselves with resentment.
These teachings are interconnected, and each one complements the other. They serve as a guide for living a good life and building strong relationships with others.
Incorporating the Teachings in Business Operations
As a company, we have implemented strategies to incorporate these teachings into our business operations:
- We promote continuous learning and development opportunities for our employees to foster wisdom (Nbi).
- Love (Zaagidewin) is demonstrated through fostering a positive work culture where all employees feel valued and supported.
- Respect (Mnaadendimowin) is emphasized in our interactions with clients, partners, and colleagues. We also strive to promote diversity and inclusivity within our organization.
- Bravery (Aakdehewingdizwin) is encouraged by providing opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and step out of their comfort zone.
- Our company values honesty (Gwekwaadziwin) and transparency in all our business dealings.
- Humility (Dabaadendiziwin) is promoted by recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of all employees and promoting a flat organizational structure where everyone’s voice is heard.
- We uphold the importance of truth (Debwewin) in our internal and external communication to build trust with our stakeholders.
- We approach setbacks not with criticism but with Forgiveness (Pagitentamowin) guiding the path forward patience and expertise.
In addition to these strategies, we also uphold the teachings through various corporate social responsibility initiatives. For example, we support Indigenous communities by promoting economic development opportunities and preserving their cultural heritage.
Benefits of Incorporating the Teachings
Integrating the Ojibwe Eight Grandfather teachings into our business operations brings numerous benefits to our company, employees, and stakeholders. These include:
- Promoting a positive work culture based on traditional values aligned with our company’s core principles.
- Enhancing employee satisfaction, morale, and motivation by providing a sense of purpose and meaning in their work.
- Building stronger relationships with clients and partners through mutual respect and understanding different cultural perspectives.
- Demonstrating our commitment to corporate social responsibility by supporting Indigenous communities and promoting sustainable business practices.
In Conclusion
Incorporating the Ojibwe Eight Grandfather teachings in our business operations benefits our company and promotes the preservation of Indigenous culture. By embracing these teachings, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society where everyone is respected, valued, and treated with dignity. As a company, we are proud to incorporate these teachings and will continue to strive towards living and conducting business in alignment with them. So, let us embrace the seven sacred teachings and work towards building a better future for all. Let us walk together on this journey of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth, and forgiveness.