The Cree custom of giving something away to someone who has admired it is something I’ve heard about for years. I assumed it was all about generosity. Giving compliments, after all, is totally môniyâw-approved good behaviour. I’ve even been gifted items I’ve admired, though I’ve never really understood why.
This teaching is another good reminder that môniyâw politeness and Cree politene are not always the same thing! Thanks to Maskwasis Boysis from Samson Cree Nation for permission to share his recent FaceBook post about sawânakêyimowin: “jealousy” or “envy”. Here’s the Elders’ teaching he shared:
In our Cree ways, elders warn us: don’t wish too hard for what belongs to someone else.
When someone envies another person’s possessions, success, or blessings, it’s believed that negative energy is sent toward that person.
So we are taught not to admire or say we “like” another person’s belongings. To do so shows sawânakeyimowin (envy, jealousy) — and envy is dangerous.
That’s why, in our communities, if someone admires something out loud, many times the owner will gift it away. This protects both people and restores balance. When we pass on, all of our belongings are given away for the same reason — so no envy or attachment remains.
Instead of saying “I like that,” we say: “I am thankful the Creator blessed you.”
When we speak this way, we turn envy into gratitude — and in return, blessings flow back to us.
So if you see someone with a nice car, new moccasins, or anything beautiful, remind yourself:
“I am thankful, my relative, that you are blessed this way.”
Gratitude keeps our spirit clean. Generosity protects our relationships. sawânakêyimowin breaks harmony — but thankfulness invites blessings for everyone. 
One Response
Love this! Never considered that coveting caused negativity for both parties. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.