Native American Cultures and Values: Searching for Truth?

When I was a young boy, often I was asked to sit and listen to the wise elders when they would have council. Today’s lesson was taught over 45 years ago...

Sometimes these councils were brought together to plan a great celebration. They would always begin with a prayer performed by the oldest and most respected of the Tribe.

Next he would light some sage, cedar or sweet grass and allow the smoke to purify all who were meant to be there.

This brought to my young mind a question… because sometimes there would be people who were not part of our nation. They didn’t speak our language nor did they understand our traditions, yet why are they here?

After the planning was finished I gestured to the keeper of the order of event that I had a question that I could answer on my own. The elder then nodded, giving me permission to address the council. I stood up from where I was seated and asked the council, “Why do we allow people of other Nations to take part in these sacred gatherings?”

The silence of that moment seemed to last a long time…

Then the oldest slowly began to stand to address the question. I relinquished the floor to him.

He stepped before the fire that was kept burning to keep the chill of the day away and took a small branch out and re-lit the abalone shell that was filled with the plants and meant to keep the circle strong.

The smoke slowly formed as he began to speak. He told us that traditionally in the Native American cultures all are welcome. If someone by chance should happen upon any of our meetings or ceremonies, we would always welcome them and remind ourselves that this was meant to be.

Who here would question the Creators willingness to invite a deer, an eagle or a human being into this gathering? Isn’t it true that if you cut your hand and I cut mine – would you not bleed the same color?

We are all related!

So you may wish to remember this the next time a relative is brought before your council in an unexpected way that maybe they are bringing an important message…one that could change your life.

Click Here to discover more about your relationship with the seven sacred directions and how they affect and influence your journey in life.

Gakina-awiiya (We are all related),

Robert TallTree

“Teach us love, compassion and honor…that we may heal the Earth and heal each other.”   –   Ojibwe Prayer