Native Way and Teaching

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XIII. TAKE WHAT YOU NEED, LEAVE THE REST BE :
There is nothing placed upon this Earth that deserves to be
destroyed or wasted for the purpose of human convenience. To
destroy trees and leave them unused simply because they blocked
the view of the garden, or to kill animals only for their fur, is not
a rightful way to share the world with another. To waste and
discard something due to your own selfishness is an act that
goes against the Creator, and strays you from the Red Road.


"Now tell me this one little thing, if thou hast any sense : Which
of these two is the wisest and happiest-he who labors without
ceasing and only obtains, and that with great trouble, enough to
live on, or he who rests I comfort and finds all that he needs in
the pleasure of hunting and fishing?"
Gaspesian Chief

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XIV. THE MANY NAMES OF THE GREAT SPIRIT :
The Great Spirit is the name given to the life force radiating from
all creation. This energy is called many things by many different
people : the Creator, A'wonawil'onas (Zuni), Wankan-Tankan
(Sioux), God, Tirawa (Pawnee), Great Mystery, and Grandfather.

"We may quarrel with men about things on Earth, but we never
quarrel about the Great Spirit."
Chief Joseph (Hin-Mah-Too-Yah-Lat-Kekt) (1840-1904)
Nez Perce

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XV. THE TREE OF LIFE :
The Tree of Life represents all that is life, encompassing all that
exists upon the planet. When we walk the Red Road, our journey
ends under the protection of this Tree. It caused the rhythm of
the world to continue year after year, and with each cycle, fruit
nourishes those who stand under her boughs. The roots dig deep
into history. These dedicated to this energy know the value of all
beings, tend to Mother Earth, and live an honorable life in honor
of the spirit of the ancient Tree.



"The white man is to far removed from America's formative
processes. The roots of the tree of his life have not yet grasped
the rock and soil...But for the Indian, the spirit of the land is still
vested...When the Indian has forgotten the music of his forefathers,
when the sound of the tom-tom is no more, when the memory of
his heroes is no longer told in story...he will be dead."
Luther Standing Bear (1905-1939)
Oglala Sioux Chief

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XVI. THE MEDICINE WHEEL :
The Medicine Wheel is the symbol of all creation. This ancient
emblem represents all of life's forces. The Medicine Wheel explains
our existence. It tells what is true and what is needed to live.
The Medicine Wheel, is divided into four parts. Those four parts
represent the whole of the person, the whole of the Creator, or
the whole of the universe. A Medicine Wheel representing life
would include birth/death, childhood, adulthood, and old age.
The Wheel may symbolize self-spiritual, emotional, physical, and
mental. If a person lacks one aspect of the Wheel, or one section
is sick or lagging, the Medicine Wheel will remain unbalanced and
the self will not be whole. Once the area is mended, the self can
focus on its path.

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread
within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All
things are bound together."
Chief Seattle (Seathl) (1785-1866)
Duwamish-Suquamish

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XVII. THE CIRCLE :
The circle is an ancient symbol that represents eternity and life
of all beings upon Mother Earth. The almighty sun is round,
Mother Earth is round, and the cycle of life-from birth to death/
rebirth-is also round. It represents unification and fulfillment, and
is a powerful visual tool of the Medicine Wheel.

"You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle,
and that is because the Power of the World always works in
circles, and everything tries to be round...The sky is round, and I
have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the
Stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their
nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours...Even the
seasons form a great circle in their changing, an always come
back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from
childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.
Black Elk (1863-1950)
Oglala Sioux

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XVIII. The DREAMCATCHER
The dreamcatcher is an easily recognizable piece of Native
Americana. There are two kinds of dreamcatchers. The first, for
children, will include feathers and is made from willow so that it
will eventfully fall apart (representing the child growing out of
childhood). The adult dreamcatcher is usually made with a center
feather and beads. It is made of woven fiber and will last longer.
All dreamcatchers have some type of representation of the four
directions as well as a spider's web, and will be made from
all natural material. The dreamcatcher is only to be placed on the
wall above the bed of the person the dreamcatcher was made for.
It must be made from hand.

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Yigaquu osaniyu adanvto adadoligi nigohilvi nasquv utloyasdi nihi (May the Great Spirit's Blessings Always Be with You). Cherokee adage

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"Ea Nigada Qusdi Idadadvhn" (all my relations in creation). Cherokee adage

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Wowienke he iyotam wowa sake (Truth is power). Lakota adage

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To hi ge se s di (means on earth). Cherokee

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12 ETHICS OF WALKING THE RED ROAD: 365 DAYS OF WALKING THE RED ROAD BY TERRI JEAN

 

Ethic 1: Honor the Great Spirit

 

Every element of creation expresses the Creator. Within each mountain, each stone, and each heart lies the Great Spirit. All are of the Creator, each particle of the universe is equally deserving of respect and admiration. When looking upon a sunset, the trees, or even your worst enemy, you are looking at the Creator. Know this and give praise and prayer.

 

“A wee Child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of the birds, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is Paganism, then at present, at least, I am a Pagan...”-Zitkala-Sa, (Red Bird), Sioux author and activist. 1876-1938

 

Ethic 2: Honor Mother Nature

 

Mother Nature is not for us…she is part of us and we, like everything else that lives and breathes upon her, are her children. Your own direct connection with Mother Earth is to be encouraged daily. Paint her portraits, swim in her waters, tend to her flowers, stroll through her glorious forest, and care for her many children: all plants, people, and animals. We must live according to her principals and choose not to pollute her body. The alternative is death to our Mother-and death to her children.

 

“The Great Spirit is our father, but the Earth is our mother. She nourishes us; that which we put into the ground she returns to us, and healing plants she gives us likewise. If we are wounded, we go to our mother and seek to lay the wound part against her, to be healed.” - Bedagi (Big Thunder), Wabanaki Algonquin, 1900’s

 

Ethic 3: Search for Yourself, by Yourself

 

Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your path road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. Accept yourself and your actions. Own your thoughts. Speak up when wrong, and apologize. Know your path at all times. To do this you must know yourself inside and out, accept your gifts as well as your shortcomings, and grow each day with honesty, integrity, compassion, faith and brotherhood.

 

“I have made myself what I am.” -Tecumseh, Shawnee, 1768-1813

 

Ethic 4: Community Code of Conduct

 

Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed, and treat them with respect. Honor the thoughts, wishes, and words of others. Never interrupt another or mock or mimic them. Allow each person the right to freedom of opinion. Respect that opinion. Never speak ill of others. As you travel along life’s road never harm anyone, nor cause anyone to feel sad. On the contrary, if at any time you can make a person happy, do so.

 

“Even as you desire good treatment, so render it." -Handsome Lake, Seneca, C. 1735-1815

 

Ethic 5: Banish Fear from Your Life

 

Fear stunts your soul and limits the amount of road needed to travel to reach the Tree of Life, and to know the Great Spirit. Fear is non-beneficial and body, and leads to an unbalanced mind, body, and spirit. To banish fear you must know your path and trust yourself and the world around you. With trust comes confidence. Self-confidence banishes fear.

 

“I fear no man, and I depend on the Great Spirit.” -Kondiaronk, Huron, late 17th century.

 

Ethic 6: Respect

 

Respect is to be given for all beings placed upon this earth by the creator.

Respect is to be given to elders, who are rich with wisdom.

Respect one’s privacy, thoughts, and wishes.

Respect human siblings by only speaking of their good qualities.

Respect one’s personal space and belongings.

Respect another’s spiritual path and do not judge their choices.

 

“Trouble no one about their religion; respect others on their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and bow to one….” -Tecumseh, Shawnee, 1768-1813

 

Ethic 7: Speak the Truth

 

Speak only the truth and do right always. You are what you say…and what you say needs to be honest, forthright, and of your own personal belief. Without truth you cannot achieve inner balance-balance within yourself, with other beings, with Mother Earth, and with the Creator.

 

“Good words do not last long until they amount to something.” -Chief Joseph (Hin-Mah-Too-Yah-Lat-Kekt), Nez Perce, 1840-1904

 

Ethic 8: Reject Materialism

 

When one is materialistic, one is not right with the Red Road. To value and appreciate what you have to know that you are loved and save under the limbs of the Tree of Life, is to reject materialism and to live a life of virtue and appreciation. Materialism only fills your heart with envy and greed, while appreciation breeds contentment, balance, and true happiness.

 

“…These are young men. I am their Chief. Look among them and see if you can find among them who are rich. They are all poor because they are all honest.” -Red Dog, Oglala Sioux, 1870

 

Ethic 9: Seek Wisdom

 

Those who are wise have lived a lifetime with ears open and a willingness to not only experience truth, but to pursue it well.

Wisdom is gained by: Listening to your elders. They have walked a longer path than you.

Seeking all that is true. Wisdom lies within honesty, not deception.

Realizing education is never-ending. Even death is a final lesson.

Learning from Mother Nature. Her wisdom is infinite.

 

“The greatest obstacle to the internal nature is the mind. If it relies on logic such as the white man’s mind, the domain of the inner nature is inaccessible. The simple fact is man does not challenge the wisdom of the Holy Mystery.” -Turtleheart, Teton Sioux.

 

Ethic 10: Practice Forgiveness

 

Your journey upon the Red Road will be filled with acts requiring forgiveness---forgiveness of others and forgiveness of yourself. Mindfully practice this incredible act of humanity and the Red Road will be an easy path to follow. Also, absolution breeds the same in others. Be quick to forgive and others will grant you the same kindness.

 

“Indians love their friends and kindred, and treat them with kindness.” -Cornplanter Seneca, 1736-1836

 

Ethic 11: Practice Optimism

 

It is easy to live within the shadow of fear, procrastination.., and pessimism. But these are bad habits and stumbling blocks the keep you from experiencing life, the Red Road, and the Great Spirit. It is well known to the Native people that optimism is the key to good health. Worry makes you sick--as do bad thoughts. Replace them with happiness and optimism and you shall live a long and healthy life.

 

“Oh hear me, Grandfather, and help us, that our generation in the future will live and walk the good road with the flowering stick of success. Also, the pipe of peace, we will offer it as we walk the good road to success.

Hear me, and hear our plea……” -Black Elk, Oglala Sioux, 1863-1950

 

Ethic 12: Take What You Need, Leave the Rest Be

 

There is nothing placed on this Earth that deserves to be destroyed or wasted for the purpose of human convenience. To destroy trees and leave them unused because they simply block the garden, or to kill animals only for their fur, is not a rightful way to share the world with another. To waste or discard due to own selfishness is an act that goes against the Creator, and strays you from the good Red Road.

 

“Now tell me this one little thing, if thou hast any sense: Which of these two is the wisest and happiest--he who labors without ceasing and only obtains, and that great trouble, enough to live on, or he who rest in comfort and finds all that he needs in the pleasure of hunting and fishing?"

-Gaspesian Chief

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Indian song (Inka Spirit)



Native Americans: Spirit of the Sun - Chirapaq

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Tribute to "Mother Earth" - Native American Music Song



Native American Water Healing Song - Crystal Clear







Songs of the Journey: Four Songs of the Anishinaabe


Seven Ojibwe Teachings

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Ananau - Indianie -Native American




native american indian spirit horses






native american indian dream catcher



mother i feel you