The name Seven Generations comes from an Indigenous teaching shared amongst many Indigenous communities. It reminds us all that the choices we make today should honour those who came before us, strengthen the betterment and well-being of our communities today, and protect the pathway for those yet to walk upon Mother Earth. At its heart, Seven Generations thinking calls on us all to act with care, responsibility, and respect for the long-term betterment of our children, our families, our communities, and future generations.
The Seven Generations teaching is about responsibility, community, and the caring for one another, for all peoples, and for those still to come. 7Gens Swimming carries that spirit into the water by creating a welcoming swim program where Indigenous and non-Indigenous families can learn, grow, unite and succeed together. It is about building water confidence, stronger swimmers, stronger relationships, and healthier communities, not only for today, but for many generations to follow.
For families who may not be familiar with the Seven Generations teaching, 7Gens Swimming simply means we are building something together through the sport of swimming, something welcoming, lasting, and meaningful. It is a program where all families feel invited to participate, learn, grow, and belong, in a good way.