7 Sacred Teachings Animal BUNDLE – Indigenous Culture, Animal Life Cycles, Lessons

Learn about the Seven Sacred Teachings!
This Indigenous Seven Sacred Teachings bundle explores the animals that embody each of the 7 Teachings — plus a bonus animal, the orca! Students will discover the cultural significance behind each teaching and animal, learn about habitats, lifecycles, and traditions, and complete meaningful activities for every lesson.

Perfect for teachers looking to introduce or deepen their classroom’s understanding of Indigenous values and connections to the natural world.

The Bear – Courage

Learn about black bears — their lifecycle, diet, habitat, and safety. Students will explore the Indigenous significance of the bear and complete a maze and colouring activity.

The Eagle – Love

Discover the bald eagle, an Indigenous icon. Students will learn about its appearance, diet, feathers, and cultural importance, and complete an Indigenous art colouring page.

The Wolf – Humility

Explore the wolves of Canada — their packs, life cycle, diet, and population. Learn why wolves are respected in Indigenous teachings and complete a reflection activity on humility.

The Buffalo – Respect

Learn about the buffalo (bison), its appearance, diet, and conservation. Students will explore its cultural importance and complete an activity centered on showing respect.

The Beaver – Wisdom

Dive into the world of beavers! Learn about their dams, diet, building skills, and lifecycle, and understand why the beaver represents wisdom in Indigenous teachings.

The Turtle – Truth

Explore freshwater turtles in Canada — their habitat, diet, and conservation. Students will learn the story of the turtle and its connection to truth.

Indigenous Story of Sasquatch – Honesty

Discover the Indigenous legend of Sasquatch/Bigfoot. Students will reflect on its cultural significance and create their own imaginative version of Sasquatch through art and storytelling.

The Orca Whale (Bonus!)

Learn about the orca whale — its pods, lifecycle, and Indigenous significance. Students will complete a 3-page handout and an orca-directed drawing art activity.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The resources provided here are designed to support the teaching of Indigenous cultures, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It is important to recognize that these communities are not monolithic; beliefs, traditions, and practices vary greatly from Nation to Nation, and even from community to community. The content shared in these materials reflects my own lived experience and understanding of Indigenous cultures, but it does not encompass the full diversity or richness of these traditions.

I encourage educators to approach these resources with respect, sensitivity, and openness to learning. When possible, please engage with local Indigenous communities or cultural experts to ensure that the information shared is accurate and culturally appropriate for the specific Nations or groups you are teaching about.

These resources are intended to foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous people.