Reverence for all of Nature

To the Indian, nature is a part of the Great Spirit, which dwells in every living and non-living thing. As such, nature is to be respected, loved, and protected. A rock has value and spirituality; every tree, bush, plant and flower is placed upon the earth for a purpose and is to be used with wisdom and thanksgiving. Animals, too, have purposes and value and are to be used only as necessary. If a buffalo is killed, every part of him must be used, in order to provide the spirit of that buffalo with proper respect and love. The environment is to be protected and preserved. To the Indian, we are all a part of each other and to defile any creation is to dishonor oneself in the process. For this reason, Indians cannot help condemn what white society has wrought since coming to...