ODAWA CODE OF ETHICS

Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for: all life, the life within you, the good things the Creator has given you and others, and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seed for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek those things that will benefit everyone.
Respect means to feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well-being of, or to treat someone or something with difference or courtesy. Showing respect is a basic law of life. Treat every person, from the tiniest child to the oldest Elder, with respect at all times.
Special respect should be given to Elders, parents, teachers, and community Elders.
No person should be made to feel put down by you; avoid hurting others hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.
Touch nothing that belongs to someone else, especially sacred objects, without Permission, or an understanding between you.
Respect the privacy of every person. Never intrude on a person's quiet moments or personal space.
Never walk between people who are conversing.
Never interrupt people who are conversing.
Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, strangers, or others to whom special respect is due.
Do not speak, (unless invited to do so), at gatherings where Elders are present (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt.)
Never speak, about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.
Treat the earth and all her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religions of others.
Listen, with courtesy, to what others say, even if you feel that what they say is worthless. Listen with your heart.
Respect the wisdom of the people of council. Once you give an idea in a meeting or to the council, it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people.
Be truthful at all times, under all conditions.
Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give them your best food, blankets, the best part of your service. The hurt of one is the hurt of all. The honor of one is the honor of all.
Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as fellow members of the human race.
All the races and tribes in the world are like the different flowers in one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator, they must all be respected.
To serve others, to be of use to family, community, and nation is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important task. True happiness comes only those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.
Observe moderation and balance in all things.
Know those things that lead to your well-being, and those that lead to your destruction.
Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart.