Honesty: The Heart of Who We Are

Honesty is one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and it’s one of the most important. It means telling the truth, yes — but it also means being real. It means being yourself, keeping your word, and doing what’s right even when nobody’s watching.

For us at Odawa Bound, honesty is how we stay strong. It’s how we keep good relationships with our family, our community, and the land.

What Honesty Really Means

Being honest isn’t about being mean or “telling people off.” It’s about being kind and truthful at the same time. When someone tells you the truth because they care about you — that’s real honesty. It helps you learn, grow, and do better.

Sometimes the truth is hard to say. Sometimes it’s hard to hear. But lying or pretending only makes things worse. The truth might hurt for a little while, but it always heals in the end.

Being Honest With Yourself

Honesty starts inside you. That means being real with yourself — even when it’s tough. Maybe you made a mistake, or you said something you didn’t mean. Being honest means admitting it, saying sorry, and trying again.

It also means knowing who you are. You come from strong people, and your story matters. When you’re honest about your feelings, your goals, and what you believe in, you walk in your own truth — and that’s powerful.

Honesty in the Community

When everyone in a community is honest, people trust each other. That’s how good friendships and strong nations are built. If someone breaks a promise, or does something wrong, honesty means owning up to it and making it right.

If a friend makes a mistake, don’t talk behind their back. Talk to them. Help them do better. That’s called respect — and it’s part of honesty too.

When our leaders, teachers, and families are honest, everyone feels safe and respected. No secrets. No fake smiles. Just truth and kindness.

Why Honesty Matters Today

There’s a lot of noise in the world — social media, rumors, and people pretending to be something they’re not. That’s why honesty is more important than ever. It helps us tell real stories about who we are as First Nations people.

When we speak honestly about our history and our lives, we keep our culture alive. The truth connects us to our ancestors and helps us build a better future.

The Odawa Bound Way

At Odawa Bound, honesty isn’t just a rule — it’s how we live. We speak from the heart. We tell our stories with truth and respect. And we keep our word because it’s part of who we are.

So be honest — with yourself, your friends, and your community. Walk with truth, speak with kindness, and remember: honesty makes you strong, inside and out.