Values and integrity have always been respected by traditional
Native peoples, but when colonization forced its way onto this land,
dishonesty and treachery took a terrible toll. Even many mainstream
Americans are tired of it, but still don't understand where they
went wrong. Here's a sample of things mainstream America needs to
understand add your own in the comments.
Honesty and Integrity
Out of the 500 treaties signed between tribes and
the United States, none have ever been fully honored. History proves
that at the time of contact, Native nations couldn't even imagine
such dishonesty.
Today, oil companies are trying to force pipelines, fracking,
and uranium mining onto reservation and treaty lands even as other
areas already suffer oil spills. America needs to develop a truthfulness
in their dealings and a sense of responsibility for their actions,
not just with tribes, but with the whole world.
Prioritizing Who Is Paid Well For What
In today's America, the most financially rewarding
jobs are often paid to people in power. For those who work to benefit
society, the pay is usually much less. Rather than seek personal
power, ideally, Native politicians do what is best for the tribe.
Self-serving actions are frowned upon. Success, wealth, and a rich
life should not be measured by money.
Appreciation for Women
According to the Six Nations Traditional Women's Council
Fire, clan mothers traditionally held great influence in the well-being
of their Clans and Nations. They have authority as life givers,
as holders of the land, and a deep understanding of the price of
war.
For humanity to see all sides of an issue, the woman's perspective
must be included in important decisions.
Kinship and the Relationship Between All Beings
How would relationships change if all teachers and
students, businesses and clients, saw each other as relatives? Would
truth and honesty increase? Would business include a general feeling
of love and respect for clients? Would food be processed differently?
Would the earth be treated with respect if the four-leggeds and
wingeds were considered relatives?
Respect
Americans respect positions of power. Natives respect
the natural power that comes from wisdom and the knowledge elders
carry forward. Natives respect the earth mother while Americans
respect the money that can be made from developing the land. Some
Americans are beginning to pick up on this, but too many businesses
and politicians have no interest in protecting the people and the
world around them, because they don't respect the people.
Respect is about living in the right way, honoring the earth,
the people, and all beings. Respect is barely even covered in Webster's
Dictionary.
Natural Law
Americans don't understand the meaning of life, and
buy lots of books on the subject. Depression and disconnectedness
are the result of not understanding the world in a spiritual manner.
A relationship with Creator, appreciation for humility, and the
ability to make the most of one's journey in preparation for the
next world, gives meaning to life.
The Sacredness of Life and Intention
Carol Iron Rope Herrera, Lakota, explained the difference
between giving birth to a child with family present singing and praying,
as opposed to a baby landing in the hands of a medical doctor, a stranger,
who is on a schedule.
Ceremonies, rites of passage, help children and adults understand
their roles at home, in their community, and in the world. Mainstream
Americans rarely see life in a sacred manner among all sacred beings.
Generosity
Charles A. Eastman, Lakota, wrote in The Soul of
the Indian, "Parents often gave so much to the needy that they frequently
impoverished themselves, thus setting an example to the child of
self denial for the general good
Children must early learn
the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize
most, that they may taste the happiness of giving."
Many American individuals are generous, but few understand the
Native way of just passing on what is needed until you or someone
else need it again. True story: A woman on the Mojave Reservation
got a new washer and dryer, and all of her neighbors brought their
laundry over.
Mother Earth
Carol Iron Rope Herrera said, "Us women have been
taught that this Mother Earth has taken care of us, so we have to
be like her essence. She never abandoned us, she is here, she nurtures
us every day, she protects us, she feeds us, she clothes us."
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