This past week we had the opportunity to discuss with two different folks, how people from different cultural backgrounds view our natural world. A friend, who is African American and had just read my book, pointed out some interesting thoughts I had not considered before. He first pointed out that I had compared the Native American culture to the Western White culture, and had not considered other cultural influences. This is true, and my rationale was that I was contrasting two cultures with very different ways in which they see their relationship with our natural surroundings. As I thought about it, I began to think about what was really driving my concerns over the management of our remaining forest lands and it struck me that trees are simply symbolic of the issues. The issue is really about people! Our responsibility to members of the human race and life in the future is, truly, why we need to focus on how we interact and relate to our natural world. We are created as equals, regardless of our cultural ancestry, and will have to come together to redeem our responsibility to live in balance with the limited capabilities of Earth. We must find ways to share the knowledge of our connection to the natural world with those who live in the inner-city as well as those who live in the mansions of the most wealthy. The environmental issues we face will affect all of us regardless of our cultural heritage. Dr. Jered Diamond, points out that when we have depleted the Earth's resources, we will all face the same demise however, the most affluent will be the last to succumb, thereby suffering longer. In the end, our differences will be of no concern but in the meantime our similarities can help us prolong life.
Our second meeting was with the new Director of Wiconi International. This meeting also provided a deeper understanding of the value of sharing knowledge from different cultural backgrounds. Pastor Casey is Native American and has been active in contextual ministries in New Mexico and actively assisting the United Methodist Church with their goal of reconciliation with our indigenous people. Past treatment has resulted in a lack of trust between our two cultures, that can only be rebuilt by coming together, as equals, to work on issues and concerns we share. We believe working to educate our youth on how to live in balance with our planet's resources can provide a bridge to a longer future for all humanity but, will require working together. I am reminded of the Navajo grandmother who explained to her grand daughter that we all bleed the same red blood when cut. Yes, although we are individuals, we share more similarities then differences. Please consider what you might contribute to help develop a better appreciation of our connection with our natural surroundings.
May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Our second meeting was with the new Director of Wiconi International. This meeting also provided a deeper understanding of the value of sharing knowledge from different cultural backgrounds. Pastor Casey is Native American and has been active in contextual ministries in New Mexico and actively assisting the United Methodist Church with their goal of reconciliation with our indigenous people. Past treatment has resulted in a lack of trust between our two cultures, that can only be rebuilt by coming together, as equals, to work on issues and concerns we share. We believe working to educate our youth on how to live in balance with our planet's resources can provide a bridge to a longer future for all humanity but, will require working together. I am reminded of the Navajo grandmother who explained to her grand daughter that we all bleed the same red blood when cut. Yes, although we are individuals, we share more similarities then differences. Please consider what you might contribute to help develop a better appreciation of our connection with our natural surroundings.
May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
