Outside the George T. Richardson Centre (right outside the library) are the Seven Grandfather Teachings, as related to the University by Knowledge Keeper Frank Tacan Sr.

This Indigenous model of knowing, being, connecting and working together in a good way prioritises “relationships, interconnectedness, and land-based knowledges. These themes center the principles of relationality, reciprocity, and respect, and define the responsibilities of Indigenous integrity” (Gladue, 2020, p. 3). While the Seven Teachings were gifted to the Anishinaabeg, they have been widely accepted by other Indigenous communities, and accepted among non-Indigenous organisations and peoples thanks to their universality (Munroe & Hernandez Ibinarriaga, 2022).

Each teaching is represented by a spirit animal which represents the teaching through its life and actions. These Teachings, and their spirit animals, remind us of how our own individual actions can impact others, and how we are accountable to each other (Gladue, 2020). In short, integrity is a collective responsibility (Munroe & Hernandez Ibinarriaga, 2022): at Brandon University, this is very much how we view academic integrity. For it to be upheld, instructors, staff, and students must all adhere to and promote it.