The Kwewag Indigenous Culture Church
The Kwewag Indigenous Culture Church is a registered 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization
Indigenous cultures are spirit based. The culture and traditions cannot be
separated from the spiritual connection. Where there is one, there is always the other, in all that we do.
-Statement of Faith-
We believe there is a creator of all things. We believe in the spirit world tied to and given to us from our creator. We believe in an afterlife as we "walk on" from our lives here on earth. We believe we hold a responsibility to our Mother Earth, and exist as her caretakers while we are here. We believe in Grandmother Moon, Father Sun, and the Grandfathers of the Four Directions. We believe we carry the responsibility to care for and prepare our Mother Earth and the spirit world, to care for the next seven generations to come.
As adopted from the philosophies of the Leech Lake Tribal College
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
According to the Anishinaabe worldview, humans did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves. Therefore, kinship among all of creation, not the mastery of our relatives (other humans, animals, plants, etc) is vital to harmonious living. To adhere to this philosophy is to be guided by the following values:
Honesty
Maintain truthfulness, sincerity, and fairness in all one's actions
Possess the ability to manage confidential information
Communicate with others fairly and truthfully
Truth
Speak as honestly as one can according to one's perception
Be loyal in all relationships
Avoid hypocrisy
Humility
Recognize oneself as an equal part of creation
Be careful what one says around others
Demonstrate empathy to others
Be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of others
Recognize one's weaknesses and acknowledge the capacity for self growth
Develop and practice good listening and observation skills
Love
Work cooperatively and harmoniously with others
Show kindness and compassion
Demonstrate acceptance and the empowerment of others
Offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration
Wisdom
Seek guidance from elders and advisors
Take time to reflect upon experiences
Acknowledge the opportunity to learn from others
Persist in acquiring knowledge and improving skills
Strive to accomplish goals and dreams
Courage
Face difficult situations with bravery
Acknowledge one's personal weaknesses and develop strength to combat them
Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and speak when asked
Respect
Accept cultural, religious, and gender differences
Maintain high standards of conduct at all times
Safeguard the dignity, individuality, and rights of others
Practice ethical behavior at all times