A series of short animated films called the Seven Sacred Laws has been created to teach Manitobans about a set of traditional Indigenous teachings.
Each episode, which is around three to four minutes long, follows an Indigenous boy and his spiritual journey, and the lessons he learns as he meets the seven sacred animals.
The series was written by the founder of Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness, Dr. David Courchene, who is an Anishinaabe Elder.
It was directed by Indigenous filmmaker, Erica Daniels from Peguis First Nation, and created by Manitoba’s Peg City Pictures Inc.
Erica Daniels says the series was a vision from David Courchene, who is also her elder and knowledge keeper.
“He’s wanted to do something like this for a very long time, and he approached me to see if I would be willing to be a part of this project.”
Daniels says that she feels like this series was meant to be shared during this time, amid the grief that the Indigenous community is going through.
“We also need to look at the hope, and what’s in the future. These laws are a really great way for our community to connect with and learn about our culture, and for the non-Indigenous community to learn the sacred values that we live by.”
The series can be viewed here.
