As autumn deepens and festivals like the Day of the Dead invite us to remember those who came before us, it’s a perfect time to reflect on both our past and our future. Many cultures use this season to honour their ancestors, acknowledging the ways in which their lives continue to shape our present. But there’s another question we might ask as we light candles and tell stories: what legacy are we creating for those who come after us?
Remembering with Purpose
Traditions like the Day of the Dead are not just about remembering the past; they are about keeping alive the values, lessons, and spirit of those who have come before us. In many Indigenous cultures, this connection to ancestors is also linked to the future, particularly through the Seventh Generation Principle. This idea, rooted in Haudenosaunee Confederacy teachings, reminds us that the decisions we make today should benefit not just ourselves, but the seventh generation that comes after us—about 140 years into the future.
In reflecting on our ancestors, we see that their struggles, joys, and values laid the groundwork for the world we live in today. We are the living continuation of their legacy. As we honour them, we also inherit the responsibility to shape the world for future generations. What we choose to do in our lives—how we live, love, and contribute—echoes forward, influencing people we will never meet.
Living Your Legacy Now
The idea of living with the seventh generation in mind encourages us to think long-term about our impact. What values do we want to pass on? How do we want to be remembered? And how can we ensure that our actions today help create a better world for those who will live 100 or more years from now?
Legacy is not just about personal memory or fame—it’s about the lasting influence we have on the world around us. Whether it’s the kindness we show, the ideas we share, or the systems we contribute to, our choices have far-reaching consequences. The Seventh Generation Principle reminds us that our lives are part of a much bigger story.
Learning from the Past to Build the Future
Looking to the past offers us lessons for the future. Just as we remember our ancestors’ resilience, creativity, and compassion, we can carry those qualities forward in the way we live. Their legacies serve as a reminder that we, too, are writing history through our daily actions. What will future generations remember about us? How can we honour the best of what came before while forging a path that reflects our own values?
This season of remembrance invites us not only to reflect on those who shaped our present, but to ask: how can we shape the future? By thinking about the seventh generation, we take a long view of life, one that acknowledges the interconnections between past, present, and future.
As we honour those who came before, let’s also consider the responsibility we have to those who will come after. What legacy do you want to leave, and how can you start living it today?