About the Seven Sacred Branches

The Seven Sacred Branches are the principles of character that each Anishinaabe should live by. Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, Truth.

According to the story, long ago, a messenger sent to see how the Neshnabék were living, discovered that the Neshnabék were living their life in a negative way, which impacted their thoughts, decisions, and actions. Some had hate for others, displayed disrespectful actions, were afraid, told lies, and cheated. Others revealed pride or were full of shame. During his journey, the messenger came across a child. This child was chosen to be taught by the Seven Grandfathers to live a good life. He was taught the lessons of Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, Truth.

Before departing the Seven Grandfathers told him, “Each of these teachings must be used with the rest. You cannot have Wisdom without Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. You cannot be Honest if you are only using one of the other teachings. To leave out one teaching would be embracing the opposite of what the teaching means.” The Seven Grandfathers each instructed the child with a principle. It was then up to the child to forget them, or to put them to use.

Each one of us represents the child. We must faithfully apply the teachings of our Seven Grandfathers to our own lives. We must place our trust in the Creator. We must also never forget to be sincere in our actions, character, and words.

Brian Frejo leads AIHSC’s The Seven Sacred Branches program.

About SAMSHA
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.*
*Source: samhsa.gov

About Brian Frejo (AIHSC Cultural Coordinator)

Cultural Advisor for the AIHSC Behavioral Health team and 7 Sacred Branches teaching program providing Traditional-based best practices, Trauma-informed care and support for SUD recovery and Mental health wellness in the Chicagoland community.

• Native American Traditional-based Practitioner
• Suicide/ SUD Prevention Certified Trainer
• Addiction Recovery and Healing Certified Specialist
(Red Road Approach/Generation Red Road)
• White Bison Warrior Down Certified Recovery Coach

Brian’s enthusiasm as a cultural mentor for the AIHSC community has had a profound influence on both adults and youths. In his role as Cultural Coordinator and Cultural Mentor for AIHSC, Brian has provided leadership through the SAMSHA Grant and his seminars dedicated to the Seven Branches Teachings offer values that can lead to a healthy mind, body and spirit. Brian is a proud father and a member of the Pawnee and Seminole Nations.