THIS IS NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
This holiday was initiated by Red Fox James, of the Blackfoot Nation, in 1915.
He personally travelled to 24 states to seek congressional approval which was finally granted by George H. W. Bush in 1990.
The following is an abbreviated version of an address given by:
Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation (Kanien'kehá:ka), Haude no saunee Confederacy*:
Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, Tuscarora
It has become known as a
Thanksgiving Address - Te karonia ne kon (words spoken before all others).
We give thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We give thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We give thanks to all herbs,
which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We give thanks to the moon and stars,
that have given to us their light when the sun is gone.
We give thanks to the sun,
that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we give thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness,
and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.
*The Haudenosaunee Confederacy consists of 6 Iroquois nations:
Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora.
It is the oldest living democracy. Their Constitution, known as the Great Law of Peace (1142), influenced the democratic principles Included in the U.S. Constitution.
Thank you, Caroline for sharing these beautiful words. The full text is available should you want to contact Caroline or the editor.
