Looking for a deeper way to explore the Seven Sacred Teachings animals? This printable bundle combines animal science with lessons about the cultural connections of the bear, eagle, wolf, Sabe, bison, beaver and turtle.
Students learn about each animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, diet, life cycle and connection to the Seven Sacred Teachings. A bonus orca lesson and directed drawing are also included.
Seven Sacred Teachings Animal Bundle Includes
♡ Bear and the teaching of courage
♡ Eagle and the teaching of love
♡ Wolf and the teaching of humility
♡ Sabe and the teaching of honesty
♡ Bison and the teaching of respect
♡ Beaver and the teaching of wisdom
♡ Turtle and the teaching of truth
♡ Bonus orca whale lesson
♡ Science and cultural learning pages
♡ Animal reflection activities
♡ Colouring and art activities
♡ Conservation learning
♡ Orca directed drawing
About the Seven Sacred Teachings
The Seven Sacred Teachings, also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, offer guidance for living a good life through:
♡ Courage
♡ Love
♡ Humility
♡ Honesty
♡ Respect
♡ Wisdom
♡ Truth
Each teaching is connected to an animal that helps carry and illustrate its meaning.
Teachings, stories and animal associations can vary among Indigenous communities and Knowledge Keepers. For example, honesty may be represented by Sabe in one version and raven in another.
This bundle presents one commonly shared version of the Seven Sacred Teachings and their animal connections. It should not be presented as a universal belief held by all First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
The Bear: Courage
Students learn about black bears and their connection to courage.
The bear lesson explores:
♡ Black bear appearance
♡ Habitat and range
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Bear safety
♡ Cultural connection to courage
♡ Bear maze
♡ Bear colouring activity
Students learn how the bear can represent courage through its strength, protective nature and ability to face challenges.
The Eagle: Love
Students learn about bald eagles and their connection to the teaching of love.
The eagle lesson explores:
♡ Bald eagle appearance
♡ Habitat and range
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Eagle feathers
♡ Cultural connection to love
♡ Eagle art colouring activity
The lesson introduces students to the eagle’s cultural importance while recognizing that teachings and protocols connected to eagles and feathers vary among Indigenous Nations.
The Wolf: Humility
Students learn about wolves living in Canada and their connection to humility.
The wolf lesson explores:
♡ Wolf packs
♡ Habitat and range
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Wolf populations
♡ Types of wolves found in Canada
♡ Cultural connection to humility
Students consider how wolves rely on their packs and how this relationship can help illustrate humility, cooperation and community.
Sabe: Honesty
Students learn about Sabe and the teaching of honesty.
Sabe is sometimes compared to or described through the familiar idea of Sasquatch or Bigfoot. Within the Seven Sacred Teachings, Sabe reminds people to be honest with themselves and walk through life with integrity.
The Sabe lesson explores:
♡ Sabe and the teaching of honesty
♡ Cultural significance
♡ Integrity and being true to yourself
♡ Creative response activity
Students then create their own visual response based on what they have learned.
The Bison: Respect
Students learn about bison, often called buffalo, and their connection to respect.
The bison lesson explores:
♡ Bison appearance
♡ Habitat and range
♡ Diet
♡ Cultural significance
♡ Relationships between bison and Indigenous Peoples
♡ Conservation efforts
♡ Teaching of respect
♡ Student respect activity
Students learn how bison provided food, shelter, clothing, tools and other necessities to many Plains Indigenous Nations.
The Beaver: Wisdom
Students learn about beavers and their connection to wisdom.
The beaver lesson explores:
♡ Beaver appearance
♡ Habitat
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Beaver dams and lodges
♡ Building skills
♡ Environmental impacts
♡ Cultural connection to wisdom
Students consider how the beaver uses its natural abilities and knowledge to build, adapt and support its family.
The Turtle: Truth
Students learn about freshwater turtles and their connection to truth.
The turtle lesson explores:
♡ Turtle species found in Canada
♡ Physical characteristics
♡ Habitat
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Turtle conservation
♡ Cultural connection to truth
Students learn about turtle conservation while exploring why the turtle carries the teaching of truth in this version of the Seven Sacred Teachings.
Bonus Orca Whale Lesson
The orca is not one of the Seven Sacred Teachings animals, but it is included as a bonus cultural and science lesson.
Students explore:
♡ Orca appearance
♡ Whale pods
♡ Habitat and range
♡ Diet
♡ Life cycle
♡ Cultural connections
♡ Three-page orca handout
♡ Step-by-step orca directed drawing
Cultural relationships and teachings connected to orcas vary among Northwest Coast Nations and communities.
Science Meets Cultural Learning
This bundle allows students to explore each animal through both science and cultural learning.
Students investigate:
♡ Animal habitats
♡ Diets and food chains
♡ Life cycles
♡ Adaptations
♡ Animal behaviour
♡ Conservation
♡ Cultural relationships
♡ Character and personal reflection
The resources can be used together as a complete Seven Sacred Teachings animal unit or individually throughout the school year.
Perfect For
♡ Seven Sacred Teachings lessons
♡ Seven Grandfather Teachings activities
♡ Indigenous education
♡ Animal science units
♡ Canadian animals
♡ Character education
♡ Social studies and science integration
♡ Indigenous Peoples Day
♡ National Indigenous History Month
♡ Truth and Reconciliation learning
♡ Independent animal research
♡ Art and science integration
This Seven Sacred Teachings animals bundle gives students an opportunity to learn about wildlife, conservation, cultural connections and the Seven Teachings through detailed lessons and hands-on activities.
All Indigenous artwork included in these resources is original artwork created by West Coast Indigenous Teacher. © West Coast Indigenous Teacher
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.
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