13.3 – Think and Apply Activity 1
Seventh Generation Principle Activity
Our industries have a strong impact on our communities – can you think of examples of how companies might affect communities?
Look at the handout for the Seventh Generation Principle activity. As a class, go over the principle and the example situation.
The Seventh Generation Principle is based on an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world SEVEN generations into the future. [Credit]
How many years is a generation? How many years would seven generations be?
Answers:
15-20 years per generation; seven generations would be about 105-140 years
Part 1: Here is an example of a situation where the environment is affected over seven generations by one decision:
| Situation: | Our city has a beautiful, clean river and beach, where people like to swim, relax, and have picnics. |
|---|---|
| Decision: | We need jobs! Should the community build a factory next to the river and let them dump chemicals in the water? |
| What will happen in 1-2 generations? | The town will have more jobs, make more money, and we can still enjoy swimming in and relaxing by the river. |
| What will happen in 3-5 generations? | The river will start to become polluted with chemicals, and no one will like to spend time near the river. The factory will become out-of-date and close. |
| What will happen in 6-7 generations? | The river will be dirty and smelly from many years of pollution from the factory, and people living near the river will get very sick. Plants and animals, for example fish, will die. |
| What’s the most sustainable decision? | We should not build a factory near the river, or should have a strong agreement with the company about how they manage pollution. |
| Why? | We want to protect the river and the people living near it from dangerous chemicals and illness. |
Part 2: Brainstorm another example as a class, using a different situation that you think of together! What could happen after seven generations? What’s the most sustainable decision?
| Situation: | |
|---|---|
| Decision: | |
| What will happen in 1-2 generations? | |
| What will happen in 3-5 generations? | |
| What will happen in 6-7 generations? | |
| What’s the most sustainable decision? | |
| Why? |
Your teacher can complete the chart as the class discusses the questions. If you have time, complete the last 2 questions in pairs/small groups and share out your answers when finished.
