Iris and I had the pleasure of meeting with Tribal Council this past Tuesday to present a brief overview of the material contained in my book, "Trees of Life - Our Forests in Peril". One of the members pointed out that they understand the concerns and continue to emphasize to their youth the importance of observing and understanding our connection to nature and our surroundings. My immediate thought was that there are probably many others that have wondered why we have placed so much emphasis on reaching out to a people that have understood the complexity of nature for thousands of years. First of all, I have believed, for many years, the solutions we seek are not to be found in new and better science. It is people values that are preventing the proper application of scientific principles. The solutions for the future, I believe, can be found in the wisdom and understanding developed by our indigenous people. Linking this wisdom to today's scientific knowledge can provide a more desirable future. Second, after learning of the Seven Fire Prophecies of the Anishinaabe Nation, I feel a connection to these people that is overwhelming! Finally, I know the task we have taken on is extremely difficult, and we will need all the help we can get. Somehow we must form a coalition with enough voices to be heard if we are to make a difference. We are just starting and it seems the best path is to reach out to individuals and groups that understand, and enlist their help in changing the demands dominate society is placing on earth. What we do to earth we do to ourselves. The Seventh Prophecy tells each of us that we have the responsibility to choose between the path of spiritual balance and the path of materialism. If we expect earth to sustain life, then the choice we make is critical!
We live in a time of great change. As I prepare for a meeting with the Tribal Council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians on July 15th, and the presentation of the message to our local church on July 27th, I am overwhelmed by the similarities between the Bible and the Prophesies of the Anishinaabe Nation as well as those of many of the Aboriginal cultures from around the world. Many believe the world is in decay and Mother Earth is angry. The past programs and policies we humans have built and valued are coming apart as a result of our greedy treatment of our surroundings. Time is not on our side, and many believe the time of the Seventh Fire is upon us. Change will come hard, but we must start the healing now if we are to make a difference. It is time to live a life ruled by the spirit, choosing compassion over greed and love over fear. The solution is not to be found in more and better science, but in the ability to resurrect the wisdom of the past. We must learn to observe, in great detail, the complexity of our surroundings so as to understand the connectedness we share with all creatures and the multitude of relationships constantly at work within our ecosystems. As the Seventh Fire Prophecy suggests, we must retrace our footsteps and recover the treasures left along the trail. These treasures represent the wisdom of NATURE our elders once possessed so they might survive with nature, "THE ABILITY TO READ THE LAND". We are told only 12% of our population today is considered to be rural residents. Urbanization is robbing us of our wisdom and respect for our surroundings, NATURE. We must be the change we want for our planet. We must choose the right path to light the Eighth and final Fire of peace, love, sisterhood and brotherhood. Our Native American brothers and sisters talk of the Rainbow Tribe which represents the coming together of all people. Together we can make a DIFFERENCE!!!!
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