In an age of abundance and instant gratification, the Seventh Generation Principle may be more relevant than ever.
Stemming from an ancient Iroquois philosophy, this principle states that each person should think about how their actions will affect people seven generations down the line.
“You need to think about who you’re sharing the world with,” Ferris alum and trustee Mike Fisher said. “And when I say that I’m not just talking about us sharing the world with each other as people, but sharing the world with a natural environment. Also sharing the world with folks seven generations from now.”
Fisher studied environmental biology at Ferris. He now serves on the Board of Trustees and works as the Associate General Counsel for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Early in his career, Fisher discovered that his involvement in environmental science also involved him in environmental policy. This led him to serve on the Isabella County Board of Commissioners.
He finds that sustainability is “wrapped” in every decision he makes, from collecting water samples to creating budgets.
“We should be mindful of what impact we will be having on the future whether it comes to fertilizing your lawn in a way that’s safe and sound… or ensuring that a construction project is designed with sustainable principles in mind,” Fisher said.
Fisher has seen the world with the Seventh Generation Principle his whole life and encourages others to learn more about the local tribes and beliefs in their area.
“That’s something that I think is pivotal to mid-Michigan because it’ll give you a sense of the history and what the tribe is doing nowadays,” Fisher said. “Understanding that history, you can see why the natural world and environmental protection are so important to tribal people. Our land for us is sacred.”
Lee Ruffino is the cultural manager of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Seventh Generation Program at the Elijah Elk Cultural Center. She sees a double meaning within the Seventh Generation Principle because she also thinks of those seven generations behind her.
“It’s a good way to remember, seven generations ago, what our ancestors sacrificed for us to be here today,” Ruffino said.
Though she thinks of her ancestors before her, she equally thinks of those who will come seven generations later. Ruffino believes that the principle describes both the past and the future.
“In our cultural department, we are trying to establish some of the sacred medicines that we have lost,” Ruffino said. “We’re trying to get them back in this area so that the next generations will have that, and they’ll be able to harvest on their own.”
This principle guides Ruffino on how she chooses to live today. She tries to keep her purchasing sustainable by shopping locally and not participating too much in quick consumerism. Along with this, she strongly believes in thinking deeply about where her food comes from before purchasing it.
“Before, we were able to roam wherever. We lived off the land,” Ruffino said. “You can’t really do that when you’re relocated to a little piece of land that really has nothing to offer as far as resources for fishing, gathering or even farming. Our conservation department takes care of that by making trails so that we can utilize it for cultural purposes.”
Five years ago, Ruffino’s tribe “acquired back” 900 acres of land in Tawas. This new land has provided them with many resources like water, wild rice and medicine.
Ruffino believes that the Seventh Generation Principle can lead people to the right path if they truly live it. She sees the right path as a place where one learns to be sustainable, generous and thoughtful.
“You have to stop and think before you take something,” Ruffino said. “If you’re doing anything with the Earth, you have to pause and make an offering or say a prayer. For whatever you take, there’s always reciprocation.”
To learn more ways to stay in touch with the Seventh Generation Principle and other elements of Native American culture, visit the Elijah Elk Cultural Center or Ziibiwing Center in Isabella County.