Truth is the understanding and expression of reality as it is, rooted in the wisdom of ancestors, the guidance of spirit, and the teachings of the land. Truth is not only about facts but also about living in alignment with natural laws, community values, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It is a journey of learning, unlearning, and deep listening.

Honesty is speaking, acting, and living in a way that reflects one's true spirit. It means being transparent, sincere, and accountable to oneself, the community, and Creation. In many Indigenous traditions, honesty is about walking in a good way, without deception or harm, and being truthful in both words and actions.

Respect is recognizing and upholding the sacredness of all life—humans, animals, plants, water, and the land. It is understanding that everything has a spirit and a role within the circle of life. Respect is shown through listening, gratitude, humility, and honoring the wisdom of elders, ancestors, and future generations.

Honor is living in a way that brings dignity to oneself, one’s ancestors, and one’s community. It is upholding responsibilities with humility, fulfilling sacred duties, and carrying out actions that reflect love, generosity, and care for all beings. To honor is to live in balance and harmony with Creation.

Integrity is the harmony between one’s thoughts, words, and actions, guided by spiritual and ancestral teachings. It means standing firm in one’s values, even when faced with challenges, and ensuring that decisions benefit not just oneself but the collective. Integrity is about walking the path of truth, responsibility, and kindness in every aspect of life.

To breathe life into the spirit of others through actions, words, and teachings that honor ancestors, the land, and all our relations. Inspiration is a sacred exchange, fostering connection and growth within the community.

A deep commitment to one’s purpose, responsibilities, and the well-being of the collective. Dedication is not only about personal perseverance but also about honoring the teachings passed down through generations and walking a path that benefits future generations.

The strength of the spirit to adapt, heal, and continue forward despite hardships. Resilience is rooted in the wisdom of ancestors, the support of community, and the deep relationship with the land, allowing one to rise with courage and grace.

A way of knowing that comes from listening deeply—with the heart, the mind, and the spirit. True understanding respects the interconnection of all things and embraces different perspectives as part of a greater whole.

Living in balance with oneself, the land, and the teachings of the ancestors. Alignment means walking in harmony with the natural cycles, acting with integrity, and ensuring that one’s choices reflect respect for all beings.

Healing is a continuous journey of restoring balance within oneself, with others, and with the land. It is not just about the absence of illness but the presence of harmony—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Healing is communal as much as it is personal, often guided by Elders, ceremony, and connection to ancestral wisdom.

Safety is the creation of spaces—physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural—where individuals and communities can exist without fear, oppression, or harm. True safety is rooted in kinship, respect, and responsibility, ensuring that all relations, human and more-than-human, are honored and protected.

Accountability is the practice of honoring our responsibilities to ourselves, our communities, and the land. It is not about punishment but about making things right—through truth, humility, and action. In Indigenous teachings, accountability is relational, recognizing that our actions impact all our relations, past, present, and future.

Fortitude is the strength of spirit and heart to face challenges with courage, humility, and resilience. It is deeply tied to ancestral knowledge, the wisdom of those who came before, and the understanding that we do not stand alone. Fortitude is not just about enduring hardship but walking forward with integrity and purpose.

Relation is the recognition that all beings—humans, animals, plants, water, and the spirit world—are interconnected in a sacred web of kinship. It speaks to the responsibility of honoring and respecting all life, knowing that our well-being is tied to the well-being of the Earth and all our relations.

The process of creating, growing, and sustaining something with intention, respect, and reciprocity. In Indigenous teachings, building is not just about physical structures but also about relationships, knowledge systems, and spiritual connections that honor past, present, and future generations.

A living network of relationships that extends beyond humans to include land, water, animals, ancestors, and spirit. Community is based on kinship, responsibility, and the understanding that well-being is collective rather than individual. A sacred responsibility rooted in love, respect, and reciprocity. Care is the ongoing practice of nurturing balance and harmony within oneself, relationships, and the natural world, recognizing that well-being is interconnected.

The strength to act with integrity and love, even in the face of fear or adversity. In Indigenous teachings, courage is not just about individual bravery but about standing in truth for the protection of land, culture, and future generations.

The understanding that all life—human and non-human, seen and unseen—is deeply woven together. This principle reflects Indigenous ways of knowing, where relationships, responsibilities, and energy flow in a continuous cycle of mutual respect and support.

A holistic way of seeing the world that acknowledges the multiple layers of identity, experience, and oppression. Indigenous teachings emphasize that justice and healing must consider the ways colonization, gender, race, and other systems interact, ensuring no one is left behind in the movement toward balance and liberation.

Justice, from an Indigenous perspective, is about restoring balance and harmony rather than focusing on punishment. It emphasizes accountability, healing, and relationships between individuals, communities, and the land. Justice is rooted in the idea of making things right through kinship, respect, and collective well-being rather than through systems of retribution.

Sovereignty in Indigenous contexts goes beyond Western notions of nation-state control. It refers to the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to govern themselves according to their own laws, traditions, and ways of life. It includes self-determination, stewardship over ancestral lands, and the ability to maintain cultural practices without external interference. Indigenous sovereignty is deeply tied to relationships with land, water, and all living beings.

Reciprocity is a fundamental principle in Indigenous Knowledge systems that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life. It is the practice of mutual care, respect, and responsibility—whether between humans, the natural world, or spiritual forces. Reciprocity means giving as much as one takes and ensuring that actions contribute to the well-being of the whole community, including future generations.