Wahkôtowin recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and encourages respect for our relations. It highlights a responsibility to our family roles, community relationships, and all of creation.

I relate to wahkôtowin as recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of those connections. It guides me to walk softly and to be mindful of the impact my words and action have on others. It is a commitment to practice lateral kindness, nurture connections, and to be accountable.

Miyo-wîcihtowin speaks to living in harmony – emphasizing communication, kindness, and respect.

I relate to miyo-wîcihtowin as a commitment to practice kindness, show compassion, respect the humanity within each person, and be intentional with my words.

Sihtoskâtowin is the act of supporting one another. It recognizes the importance of community in holding up one another.

I relate to sihtoskâtowin as a recognition that we are stronger together. It guides me to offer support where I can and accept help when it is offered. It encapsulates the concept of “it takes a village,” and showing collective care for one another.

Manâcihtâwin refers to respectful relationships, in particular to the land.

I relate to manâcihtâwin as the importance of respecting the land, and being mindful of my relationship to the land and how my family came to be here as displaced Métis; and the impact my actions have on the land, on wildlife, and on the First Nations people who exist in kinship with the land.

Tapwewin relates to truth and honesty.

I relate to tapwewin as an obligation to seek truth, speak truth, be authentic, and act with integrity. It guides me to search for and understand the full truth of a matter before speaking or making important decisions, to act and speak with honesty, and to walk in a way that is authentic to who I am.

Tapahteyimisiwin refers to humility. It recognizes that I am no better, and no less than anyone.

I relate to tapahteyimisiwin as an acknowledgement of the circular relationship of all things. It highlights the importance of considering diverse perspectives and reflecting on feedback, teachings, and alternative viewpoints. It is a commitment to learning and growth, and creating pathways for voices to be heard.

Nahiskamowin refers to adaptability, or the act of being adaptable.

I relate to nahiskamowin as the ability to respond fluidly to change, and the shifting political landscape we find ourselves in. It is a commitment to be flexible in my approach to the overarching goal of supporting the wellbeing of my 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis kin.

Kintohpahtatin has greater depth than can be captured by concepts of justice or fairness – it means you've been listened to by someone compassionate and fair, and your needs will be taken seriously.

I relate to kintopahtatin guides me to listen with open hands, to approach with compassion, and to give my all to seeking equity and walking alongside my 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis kin on this journey.  

Akisow refers to accountability – or the act of being accountable.

I relate to akisow as a commitment to being accountable to my kin. Accountability is interwoven with my values, my priorities, and my relationships. It is an invitation to my 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis kin to hold me to my obligations, my words, and my values.