A new project dedicated to educating the public about the Grandfather Teachings of Indigenous people has been unveiled in Regina’s Normanview neighbourhood. On Sunday at Ken Jenkins Park, a medicine wheel with four distinct colours was showcased, along with a board describing the Seven Grandfather Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility and truth. The Normanview Residents Group Inc. initiated the project in collaboration with Elders from the community. “There are seven Grandfather Teachings that the Elders have passed along from generation to generation,” said Rob Bogdan, the group’s president. “We thought that it would be good to have something in our community that would explain the … teachings and what they represent.” Bogdan said the park was selected for the project since many children and families who live in the area would benefit from the historic Indigenous knowledge. “It’s very important .. there’s a lot of people that use this space and I thought that it would be good for our community,” he said. “I think it just enhances — brings the community together and people can learn from the Seven Grandfather Teachings.” The medicine wheel is also meant to create a welcoming space for reflection, learning and community connection. Bogdan said about four years of preparation went into the project, and thanked community sponsors Access Communications Children’s Fund, Affinity Credit Union, the City of Regina and SaskCulture Inc. for their support. “They’re very important. They helped sponsor this project to bring it to fruition,” he said. At the site, people can scan a QR code with their phones to learn more about the teachings. There is also a board at the park describing the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the animals that represent each teaching. The Normanview Residents Group Inc. is a community association in northwest Regina aiming to improve the community.
