Item 4 in Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings
Truth
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.
- Position
- 4
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Anishinaabe communities and others receiving the teachings with cultural context and respect
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Debwewin
Original term: Debwewin
Transliteration: Debwewin
Source wording
<p>Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.
Broader interpretation
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.
Historical context
This principle belongs to Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.
Ethical purpose
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits.
Exceptions and disputes
The teachings must not be mislabelled as a universal 'Native American code' or detached from Anishinaabe peoples and authority.
Variations across schools or traditions
This page follows an Anishinabek Nation enumeration and does not claim identical wording or authority across all Anishinaabe communities.
Modern application
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.
Criticism and difficult cases
The teachings must not be mislabelled as a universal 'Native American code' or detached from Anishinaabe peoples and authority.
Truth By Reason analysis
Live and speak according to what is genuinely known, with humility about limits. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Anishinabek Nation — Seven Grandfather Teachings Primary source