Maskwacis Cree Code of Ethics
Throughout history, Maskwacis Cree have lived according to a code of ethics. A central aspect of this code of ethics is to love, care for, and respect children and all other people. However, since we often express feeling in ways different from non-native people, our cultural customs and traditions have often been misunderstood
Our Kehte-ayak taught our people self-discipline, respect for the land, and how to survive under difficult circumstances. These aspects of our heritage are passed down from one generation to the next through the use of stories. The teachings of our Kehte-ayak and the actions of our people reflect the follwing Code of Ethics:
Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and others, and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day.
Consider your thoughts and actions for the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person.
Seek for those things that shall benefit everyone.
Respect. Respect means to “feel or show honour or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well-being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy”. Showing respect is a basic law of life. Treat every person from the smallest child to the oldest Elder with respect at all times. Special respect should be given to Elders, parents, and our teachers.
No person should be made to feel “put down” by you; avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.
Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially sacred objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.
Respect the privacy of every person. Never intrude on a person’s quiet moments or personal space.
Avoid walking between people who are conversing
Let people converse without interrupting.
Speak in a soft voice. Especially when you are in the presence of Elders, strangers, or others whom special respect is due.
Speak when invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present (except to ask what is expected of you should you be in doubt).
Avoid speaking about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.
Treat the Earth and all her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world and the animal world.
Show deep respect for the beliefs and religions of others.
Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.
Respect the wisdom of the people and the Council. Once you have given an idea at a Council meeting, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people.
Be truthful at all times and under all conditions.
Always treat your guests with honour and consideration. Give your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house and your best services to your guests.
The hurt of one is the hurt of all; honour of one is the honour of all.
Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of your own family.
All races and tribes in the world are like different coloured flowers of our meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator, they must all be respected.
To serve others, to be of some use to the family, community, or MCC or the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important task. True happiness come only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.
Observe moderation and balance in all things
Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.
Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart.