PREFACE by David Bouchard The Seven Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman also known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings are shared valued and practised by many indigenous peoples These Teachings are universal however for the purpose and framework of this telling we have used many of the beliefs of the Ojibwe Chippewa Anishinaabe that is the colours of the Medicine Wheel the direction of life's journey beginning in the east moving clockwise and associating certain wildlife plant and tree life with specific Teachings Rooted in humility and honesty the creators of this book have tried to respect the cultures and traditions of all peoples It is our hope that this telling will unite and thus heal divisions Prophecies tell that this is the time for One Heart One Mind and One Drum We readers and authors alike are the ones we have been waiting for There is nobody else who can revitalize our culture and values except ourselves It is our hope that our telling might move readers toward greater courage and wisdom and ultimately toward achieving and understanding what is true in life's journey With all love Miigwech
Long ago I heard my children cry Four days later I took on the shape of a White Buffalo Calf Four days after that I went to them Over the next four days I taught them the sacred songs and Dances and I taught them the seven sacred Ceremonies I taught them the sun Dance I taught them to Fast I taught them the sacred and traditional ceremonies necessary for youth coming of Age I gifted them with the Peace Pipe and I taught them how to use it I taught them the ways of the Medicine wheel I taught them to seek their paths to The Good Red Road by reaching out to me through the Vision Quest And I taught them how to build and to use the Sweat Lodge
