There are 574 Native American nations (referred to as tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and native villages) that are recognized by the government of the United States. They were present in this land as early as 1500 years ago. Each nation is culturally unique, and not homogeneous as often presented in media. However, here are three principles that they hold in common.
Pride in birth nation is evident. They will frequently add their nation’s name after their given names, e.g., David E. Wilkins, Ph.D., Lumbee Nation.
Secondly, though the culture of each nation is unique, indigenous people believe that humankind is an integral part of creation, not a separate entity. If nature is properly dealt with, humankind benefits. What we do to nature, nature does in kind to us. This principle is not mystical but is a practical consequence of human behavior relative to nature’s invaluable resources. Humankind and nature are inextricably connected.
Thirdly, though each nation has its own culture, indigenous people embrace some form of the ancient Iroquois Nation Seven Generation Principle which is based on an ancient philosophy: Plans made today should consider the effect on the next seven generations of a people. There is also a revision of the Seven Generation Principle: Think of what has been done three generations prior to your own. Think of what your generation is doing now, and how present actions will affect the next three generations—your children, your grandchildren, and their children. Had this principle been operative in the Flint Michigan water crisis, those on the lower economic scale would not have been drinking water filled with lead and other contaminants. To date only a few of the corrective recommendations have been implemented; the crisis continues. Future generations are in peril.
Humankind does not live above nature. We have laid waste too much of nature. Now nature is beginning to waste us. Our country’s appreciation that humans are a part of nature and responsible for building a bountiful environmental legacy can be significantly enhanced by input from our Native American voices. The knowledge of the environment possessed by indigenous people is profoundly practical, supported by generations of use and gives hope for environmental transformation and justice for now and for future generations in our country. This month we honor the heritage of Native Americans.
Reflections
In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations. (From the great Law of the Iroquois Nation)
In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.
(Wilma Pearl Mankiller, Cherokee Nation, Leader. Nov. 18, 1945 – April 6, 2010)
When we are facing what appears to be more and more the worst natural disaster in our country’s history, many of these issues we have been discussing suddenly pale in comparison.
(David E. Wilkins, Lumbee Nation)
What our seventh generation will be is a consequence of our actions today. (Winona LaDuke, Anishinaabe [or Ojibwe] Nation)
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D. Min, ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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