itōhta - nisitōhta - nitōhta
- senapanthunder
- 24 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Personal Development and Relationship Building
Itōhta (to do)
Emphasizes action aligned with teachings: “do it, move in that way.” Elders advised against carrying envy, stressing self-reliance and the capacity within each person to achieve desired goals without coveting what others have.
Action is the culmination of listening and understanding; once understanding is gained, it defines one’s movements within the circle of life, guiding how one proceeds in work, daily life, and parenting.
Nisitōhta (to understand)
Encourages using the mind “in a Nēhiyaw Way,” connecting cognition with cultural values and teachings from elders. Understanding is cultivated through guidance, stories, and land-based teachings that communicate Nēhiyāwin—the value of moving, thinking, and speaking in a Nēhiyaw way.
Understanding fosters personal strength and perseverance, supporting belief in oneself and the ability to achieve goals. It also shapes relationships by clarifying how to relate to others and the world.
Nitōhta (to listen)
Listening is foundational—directed toward oneself, children, relatives, and nature. Elders highlight the importance of hearing the “soothing sounds” of nature that calm one’s being and helps find inner balance.
As future parents, individuals are guided to develop the capacity to hear children’s needs and support their development, enabling children to form their own understandings of moving, thinking, and relating in a Nēhiyaw way.
As we greet our relatives, the people who we come to meet - shapes daily conduct, work experiences, and parenting—demonstrating pedagogy rooted in patience and care
Inner Strength and Perseverance
Understanding and listening contribute to personal strength, belief in oneself, and perseverance needed to accomplish goals. These capacities support balanced development and self-confidence.
Avoiding envy is central to healthy development; rather than desiring others’ possessions or achievements, individuals are encouraged to recognize and act on their own potential.
Relationships with People and Nature
The ability to listen defines relationships. Listening extends beyond people to the natural world; nature’s sounds provide calm and balance, reinforcing well-being.
Modeling balanced behavior for children is key: adults must embody balance so children can observe and learn valuable, stringent behaviors that support growth.
Nēhiyaw / Nēwo Iyawak (the four bodies)
The framework consists of the spirit and three gifts given upon entering this land: heart, body, and mind. These are situated within directional teachings, linking cosmology with practical guidance.
Directional teachings structurally orient one’s values and actions; by listening and understanding within this framework, individuals define their movement through life in a balanced way.
Nēhiyaw Language and Nēhiyaw Thought
Carrying Nēhiyaw thought and speaking the Nēhiyaw language are vital. The teachings encourage moving and thinking in a Nēhiyaw way, reflecting cultural continuity.
Laws and teachings come through stories and from ancient beings (Mistahimākanak), reinforcing the need to listen (nitōhta), understand (nisitōhta), and do (itōhta) to align with these laws.
The Journey and Its Preparation
Each person has a mēskanaw (journey) defined by their relationship with the Creator and Mother Earth and other ancient beings. Elders help prepare individuals for this path through teachings and loving guidance.
Preparation includes cultivating listening and understanding capacities, especially for future parenting, to support the next generation’s formation of Nēhiyaw-aligned understanding and practice.
learning to move with the four bodied concept of nēwo iyaw (nēhiyaw)
Comments