The Knowledge Keepers Council provides support and spiritual direction and helps guide the collective decision-making processes of the Ontario First Nations Leadership on priority issues, providing advice based on their lived experience, accumulated knowledge and wisdom, as the keepers of First Nations customs, traditions and way of life.

The Knowledge Keepers Council are guided by their Eagle Staff which represents our Nations, clans, language, spirituality, medicines and healing.

They are also guided by the Anishnawbe Grandfather Teachings:
WISDOM – Nibwaakaawin;
LOVE – Zaagi’idiwin;
RESPECT – Minaadendamowin;
BRAVERY – Aako’win, Zoongide’ewin;
HONESTY – Gwayakwaadiziwin;
HUMILITY – Dabaadendiziwin;
TRUTH – Debwewin;
FORGIVENESS – Bagidenimaawin;

and through Haudenosaunee’s Great Law of Peace principles:
Righteousness, Civil Authority, and Good Mind.

The People hold up the Great Law like a standing circle of trees, supporting the Tree of Peace that grows in the middle and keeps the tree from falling over. Righteousness means to treat each other fairly and equally. To have a strong sense of justice and enjoy equal protection. Civil Authority means to govern and make good decisions for the common good. Good Mind mean the importance of reason and rational thinking in decision making – maintaining good mental health. To maintain good health, Haudensaunee recite the Ohe`n:ton Karihwate`hkwen – Words Before All Else each morning to show gratitude and respect for all living things from the water to the Spirit World.

This guidance is carried out through meetings in advance of and participation in assemblies and meetings of leadership; and through Quad-Council joint meetings with the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council, Keepers of the Circle, and the Ontario First Nations Women’s Council; and in keeping with the Mission of the Chiefs of Ontario, Nov 2020.