We live in very difficult times. If your perspective takes in all of humanity, and your mind hasn’t been polluted by the idea that being awake to human suffering is somehow “bad,” you already feel the daily assaults of war, hatred, racism, obscene wealth and power, and an increasingly slippery slope of our demise as a species on this planet.
As in nature, sometimes things must fall apart in order for new things to grow. We all have agency in how destructive the massive evolutionary change underway has to be. We can either be part of lifting or sinking. How things turn out as a result of each person’s effort may not be knowable in our lifetimes. We need ancient teachings to remind us how to be real human beings.
The following virtues are stated in Ichishkíin Sinwit, the language of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. You may note that many more English words are required to explain them.
These virtues were created and taught to me by my good friend and kala (adopted grandma), Levina Kussamwhy Wilkins, an esteemed elder, cultural historian, and former manager of the Yakama Nation Language Program.
As described in my book, Coyote’s Swing (WSU Press, 2023), we adopted these virtues as the core teachings of the short-lived, culture-centered, Yakama Nation behavioral health program, Níix Ttáwaaxt (‘good growth to maturity’).
In 2023, I was honored with the support of my kala, Kussamwhy Levina Wilkins, originator of the Twelve Virtues of Níix Táawaxt, to share these virtues with humanity at large.
This is so important because these Virtues teach the Path of the Heart.
K’wyáamtimt
‘Honesty, Being Truthful’
To be honest and truthful in talking about yourself and your opinions, to avoid any behavior that could even appear to harm the honor of yourself or your family by being dishonest.
Timnák’nik
‘Extending from the Heart; Compassion’
To show kindness and care at all times to others whether in listening, speaking, helping, or performing a service for them. To consider the feelings of others, to avoid hurting them, and to show concern for their feelings.
Itmá’ áaksha
‘Cautious & Careful of All Things and Others; Restrained, Peaceful and Responsible’
To be careful in your speech and other behavior so as to avoid harming or hurting anyone, including yourself. To be responsible and accountable for your behavior. To show care for maintaining peace and harmony with all people.
Yáych’unakl
‘Not Afraid of Any Type of Challenge; Courage; Heroic Perseverance’
To show courage. No matter how hard life gets, to never give up. To be willing to put up with negative behaviors and pressures from others in order to do the right thing. To be a leader when others hesitate to do something positive.
Pina’tmá’áakt
‘Taking Care & Being Aware of One’s Total Being; Balance and Harmony; Integrity, Honor, Nobility in Crisis’
To take care of yourself and to know yourself. To constantly seek to understand yourself. Self-respect. To stay in balance with what you believe. To behave with honor and refuse to get involved in behaviors that would hurt you or others.
Tma’áaknɨ
‘Respect’
To maintain a spirit of harmony and cooperation with all people including those who have differing opinions from your own. To show care and regard for preserving and protecting the cultural traditions, beliefs and unwritten laws of Native people.
Átaw pxwɨni
‘Deep Thought & Feeling; Meditation & Mindfulness”
To practice looking at yourself, your thoughts and feelings. To meditate and pray regularly. To be constantly aware of all that is around you and within you. To grow in using your mind at all times, especially when involved in getting an education.
Piná ɨwaat ku kw’ałáni
‘Self-Denial and Gratitude; Humility’
To be humble. To be grateful just to be helpful to others. To give away all feelings of conceit or arrogance. To be the first one to apologize, to correct your behavior, and to forgive others.
Wapítat Ttáwaxt
‘Help Family Growth; Service to Others’
To serve others by offering to help others in as many ways as you can think of. This might include helping elders and other family members and friends. It also includes taking part in positive community events and activities that prevent violence, helping people to heal from traumatic experiences, eliminating substance abuse and chemical dependency, promoting positive understanding and involvement in your culture, modeling and encouraging education and the pursuit of life goals for others, and working to increase the unity of all people.
Pina ch’achanwit Wawnak’sash
‘Dignity and Self-Preservation of Purity of the Body’
Keeping the body clean and pure on a daily basis, to remain in accordance to the unwritten law. The body houses the spirit of the mind and heart. Preserving virginity until marriage. Therefore, the body must be cared for with cleanliness, and purity to maintain dignity and integrity.
At’aw Pina shuukt’
‘Recognizing Who You Are with Love’
The spirit of the elders and the knowledge of family tree should be known by all descendants. This is proof of self-identity, and recognizing the gift of life and love that was left to all the descendants of those that gave of themselves for the yet unborn.
Pinana’nak’núuwit
‘Taking Care of Oneself, Maintaining Good Health’
Self-care will enable a person to care for family and keep everyone else within the family circle healthy. This is a self-oriented virtue – doing for self in order to be able to do for others.
