Book Review

The Nine Ojibwe Core Values Retold in
"The Good Path"

The Good Path:
Ojibwe Learning and Activity Book for Kids
by Thomas Peacock and Marlene Wisuri
Minnesota Historical Society Press | 128 pp | $13.57
ISBN: 9780873517836

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Entertainment. Discussion »

American Indians had a long tradition of passing their history and teachings through oral storytelling. Within Ojibwe teachings, there are nine core values that have been passed down through generations by elders to Ojibwe youth.

Historic Ojibwe photographs alone are worth
the price of the book.

"The Good Path: Ojibwe Learning and Activity Book for Kids" by Thomas Peacock presents a great overview of these nine core values. The book is written for school aged students in the higher elementary grade levels and above.

The nine core values are:

Honor the Creator;
Honor Elders;
Honor Women;
Honor Our Elder Brothers (the plant and animal beings);
Be Peaceful;
Be Kind to Everyone;
Be Moderate in Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds;
Be Courageous; and
Keep Our Promises.

These nine core values are timeless and transcend gender, race or ethnicity. They are fundamentally sound principles that should be followed by everyone.

Peacock is a tribal citizen of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and has been an associate professor of education at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he teaches educational leadership. He has authored two other books: "Ojibwe: Waasa Inaabidaa" and "The Four Hills of Life."

"The Good Path" is filled with historic photography to accompany the Ojibwe history contained in the book. The photographs were edited by Marlene Wisuri, who is an accomplished photographer. The historic Ojibwe photographs contained within "The Good Path" alone are worth the price of the book.

In addition to the nine core values, Peacock provides traditional Native tales, such as about Grandmother Moon, the mysterious Megis shell, and the souls of plants and animals.

Each chapter contains activities for students to do to apply the message of the chapter.

While "The Good Path" is written for children, the book can be enjoyed by adults interested in Ojibwe history and culture.

updated September 15, 2012 6:30 am edt; posted June 30, 2012 10:50 am edt