A celebration of Eeyou/Eenou Family Values
George Diamond describes how the Eeyou/Eenou Family Values project came into being.
Our family values originate from our Eeyou/Eenou philosophy/Iiyiyiuiyihtuwin (Eeyou/Eenou way of life), traditional values and customs that come from the land, birds, fish and animals we harvested for food.
Our ancestors, grandmothers and grandfathers alike had a special relationship with all animals, land, water, and air.
Much like the animals they harvested, our ancestors roamed the pristine lands of Eeyou/Eenou Istchee with respect and gratitude for what the Creator had to offer.
Eeyou/Eenou family values and customs are the strength of our nation because they teach us to respect one another and share our food when times are tough.
Eeyou/Eenou family values guide you and steer you in the right direction in living the good way.
Explore the values
ᐄᔨᔨᐤ ᒋᔖᔨᔨᐤ ᐅᒋᔅᑯᑎᒫᒑᐧᐃᓐ | ᐄᓅ ᒋᔐᐄᓅ ᒋᔅᑯᑖᒪᒉᐧᐃᓐ | Cree Elder Teachings
Soon after a baby was born and cleaned up, it was put in a waaspisuuyaan (moss bag) to keep it comfortable and warm. Before it was wrapped up, its legs and feet were gently massaged and were parted so its feet were not touching. Rabbit fur was also used to keep the baby’s feet and body warm in cold weather when it was in the waaspisuuyaan.
The mother would make an iihiipiish (baby net or dream catcher) for her new baby before it was born. Our people believed that it protected the baby from getting sick and catching a cold. They said that germs would get caught in the net. Therefore, as soon as the baby was snug in its waaspisuuyaan, the mother would attach the iihiipiish to the waaspisuuyaan. Babies always had an iihiipiish on their moss bags.
