The Wisdom Of The Native Americans

The teachings of the Native Americans provide a connection with the land, the environment, and the simple beauties of life. This collection of writings from revered Native Americans offers timeless, meaningful lessons on living and learning. Taken from writings, orations, and recorded observations of life, this book selects the best of Native American wisdom and distills it to its essence in short, digestible quotes — perhaps even more timely now than when they were first written. In addition to the short passages, this edition includes the complete Soul of an Indian, as well as other writings by Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman), one of the great interpreters of American Indian thought, and three great speeches by Chiefs Joseph, Seattle, and Red Jacket.

Joseph, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, Black Elk, Ohiyesa, and many others share their insights on Native American ways of living, learning, and dying. There is something archetypal about the philosophy of the original Americans, especially to the sensibilities of modern European Americans. We recognize it as coming from the earth we walk on, from those who preceded us. As we read the wisdom of these peoples, it is possible to feel a reconnection with our land and ourselves. Taken from orations, recorded observations of life and social affairs, and other first-person testimonies, this book selects the best of Native American wisdom and distills it to its essence in short, digestible quotes that are meaningful and timeless — perhaps even more timely now than when they were written.

The Piatkus Guide to Native American Wisdom is a comprehensive introduction to the beliefs of the native peoples of North America. Grey Wolf grew up within the Lakota community and in this book shares his knowledge of a deeply spiritual way of life. He provides rituals and practical exercises to help you put into practice Native American traditions in your daily life.

Looks at religion and the social customs of Native Americans of North America, focusing on tribes, territories, spirits, symbols, myths, cosmos, and other topics.

A collection of Native American speeches and excerpts, from the 17th century to the present day.

The wisdom of the Native American traditions is increasingly recognized as a source of true inspiration in the troubled times we are all experiencing today. Here are peoples who have long understood the importance of living in harmony with the Earth and who understand the interconnectedness of all things. In this collection of extracts, the author takes readers through the essence of Native American wisdom with the words of such visionaries as Black Elk. There are many principles of this ancient tradition that are acutely appropriate for us all in the modern world and which can inspire our hearts, guide our thoughts and bring joy and hope to our lives.

The effects of diet, cleansing and purification, herbal remidies, music, morals, behavior, and the surrounding environment are all discussed in the parts they play towrds achieving greater spirtuality. Additionally, a number of characteristics unique only to Native Americans is presented in the hope that other races may learn and benefit from these same excellent qualities. Besides this, an entire section is devoted to the manner in which ancient Aztecs raised their children. Today's frustrated single and two parent families will certainly appreciate this valuable information in knowing how to rear not only better behaved but also spiritually superior youngsters. Finally, the most important trait of love upon which all genuine spirituality is based, is given serious consideration.

Make a Beautiful Way is nothing less than a new way of looking at history—or more correctly, the reestablishment of a very old way. For too long, Euro-American discourse styles, emphasizing elite male privilege and conceptual linearity, have drowned out democratic and woman-centered Native approaches. Even when myopic western linearity is understood to be at work, analysis of Native American history, society, and culture has still been consistently placed in male custody. The recovery of women’s traditions is the overarching theme in this collection of essays that helps reframe Native issues as properly gendered. Paula Gunn Allen looks at Indian lifeways through the many stitches of Indian clothes and the many steps of their powwow fancy dances. Lee Maracle calls for reconstitution of traditional social structures, based on Native American ways of knowing. Kay Givens McGowan identifies the exact sites where female power was weakened through the imposition of European culture, so that we might more effectively strengthen precisely those sites. Finally, Barbara Alice Mann examines how communication between Natives who have federal recognition and those who do not, as well as between Natives east and west of the Mississippi, became dysfunctional, and outlines how to reestablish good relations for the benefit of all.