Nurture children, nurture the future

Page 4

Nature in all its beauty and complexity is not a haphazard collection of incidental coincidences. The Creator in all his glory intricately designed the earthly systems to work together to form the circle of life. If we take the time to examine nature and observe the unity within the systems, we will observe a relationship of accountability that is apparent in the continuity of bond that perpetuates life.

The social relationship of mankind is not unlike that of the creatures and eco-systems of the earth. We are also accountable to each other and when this accountability is challenged, the consequences can be counter-productive to achieving the purpose of one's life, whatever it may be.

As parents and educators, we teach our children how to exist comfortably within the circle of life, and how to obtain peace within our selves. These lessons are perhaps the most difficult task we face as parents. Our knowledge is based, quite often, on our teachings as children. These teachings may not have had a spiritual base on which to nurture knowledge and acquire the wisdom that is, in turn, passed on to the next generation.

The Elders provide us with the traditional teachings that have sustained our people through generations of condemnation. Their teachings are nurtured with a strong spiritual base and an intimate connection to the earth. The earth has always provided for mankind, not only in the sustainment of life but the examples of life but the examples of relationships that have existed harmoniously in time.

The teachings of our Elders have provided us with the very basics of relationships. From these lessons we develop a conscience that becomes internalized with knowledge. It is conscience that guides us through life and provides parameters for behavior. We are all accountable to each other as human beings and as a nation.

The bond between Native people is unlike other people's. The bond is laced with threads of spirituality and the strength that has arisen from the exhaustion of the arduous battle of survival. This bond is common with our people and provides us with the support we need to survive in their foreign society.

To jeopardize this trust within our people would be disastrous to the future of our children. It is these children who will carry on the tradition and revive and preserve the teachings. It is our responsibility to ensure that they learn the ways and develop the conscience to combat the seeping judgment that tears us down. As individuals we are accountable to each other to maintain the values that have been passed down through our Elders.

It was prophesied by the Elders, in the days of the arrival of Columbus, that in the seventh generation of our people there would be a resurgence of culture and our nation would build. We are that seventh generation and it is our responsibility to build a future for our children and be accountable.