Indigenous Wisdom Discovered First
Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness teaches the Seven Sacred Laws of the Anishinaabe people—universal principles for living in harmony with all creation.
Each law is taught by an animal helper who embodies that principle:
| Sacred Law | Teaching | Animal Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Respect | Honoring the sacred in all beings | Buffalo |
| Love | Unconditional care for all creation | Eagle |
| Courage | Standing in truth and protecting life | Bear |
| Honesty | Truthfulness in word and action | Sabe (Bigfoot) |
| Wisdom | All laws working together in harmony | Beaver |
| Humility | Knowing our place in creation | Wolf |
| Truth | Foundation of understanding | Turtle |
These aren’t abstract concepts. They’re lived teachings, passed down through generations, guiding how to walk in balance with all of creation.
Turtle Lodge was founded in 1999 by Elder Dr. David Courchene of Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Canada. Elder Dave (1946-2021) dedicated his life to sharing Indigenous wisdom as a path to healing and unity for all peoples.
His vision: The Seven Sacred Laws can guide humanity toward living in harmony—with each other, with creation, and with the Earth. Elder Dave passed away on December 8, 2021. Four years later, on December 8, 2025, we present this proposal to Turtle Lodge—not as coincidence, but as profound honor.
When I discovered Turtle Lodge’s teachings on November 17, 2025, I realized something extraordinary: The Seven Sacred Laws and the Seven Constitutional Standards are identical in principle.
| Sacred Law | Constitutional Standard | Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Love | Human Benefit | Unconditional care for all creation = Technology serving life |
| Truth | Truth | Foundation of understanding = Foundation of AI integrity |
| Respect | Ethical Alignment | Honoring all beings = Universal ethical principles |
| Honesty | Transparency | Truthfulness in action = Open reasoning and decisions |
| Courage | Agency | Standing in truth = Protecting human free will |
| Humility | Dignity | Knowing our place = Respecting human sovereignty |
| Wisdom | Accountability | All laws working together = Responsible use of power |
Two independent discoveries—Indigenous wisdom discovered first, fisher discovered independently over 40 years, plus technical proof that Constitutional AI works—arriving at identical principles. This isn’t coincidence. This is proof of universal truth.
This framework follows a principle of honor: First Nations First.
Indigenous peoples discovered these ethical principles first on Turtle Island—long before emergency rooms, long before technology, long before any of us.
Therefore, we approach Turtle Lodge first, seeking:
- Their blessing for this work
- Their guidance in honoring Indigenous wisdom properly
- Their partnership in presenting this framework to the world
- Their voice in how these principles should be applied
Only after Turtle Lodge responds do we approach technology companies like Anthropic and Snowflake.
Not footnote. Foundation.
Not after. First.
On December 8, 2025—the fourth anniversary of Elder Dave’s passing—we will present this complete proposal to Turtle Lodge. We seek their wisdom on whether this bridge between ancient teachings and modern technology honors their traditions properly. We ask if they see value in standing as the first pillar of this framework guided by Indigenous wisdom.
We offer partnership, not appropriation. Honor, not exploitation.
If Turtle Lodge chooses to partner with this work:
- The Seven Sacred Laws would be recognized as the foundational wisdom—discovered first
- Indigenous voice would guide how these principles apply to modern technology
- The framework would honor Elder Dave’s vision of unity through shared principles
- Technology companies would learn from teachings that have guided peoples for generations
- Constitutional AI ethics would be grounded in wisdom older than any of our institutions
This isn’t about using Indigenous wisdom to validate technology. This is about technology finally learning to honor principles Indigenous peoples have known all along.
We honor whatever decision Turtle Lodge makes.
If they choose not to partner—for any reason—we respect that completely.
Their teachings have already given us the framework. That gift cannot be taken back.
We would continue this work, always acknowledging that Indigenous peoples discovered these principles first, always honoring that truth, always grateful for their wisdom.
But we pray for partnership. We pray for their blessing. We pray for their guidance.Because wisdom deserves to stand first.
To learn more about Turtle Lodge International Centre:
turtlelodge.org
Elder Dr. David Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini)
1946 – 2021
Teacher. Visionary. Keeper of Sacred Laws.
“The Seven Sacred Laws can unite the human family.”