Spiritual Message from Native Elders

Please pass this on to as many people as you can, both Native and non-Native alike.

These are the words of our Native elders, but the values expressed
can be appreciated by all of humanity. Once you have read it, you are
responsible for it.

These are the elders’ hopes and dreams for the world you re-create every day.

A SPIRITUAL MESSAGE TO AMERICA

As we stand before the dawn of a new millennium, we pray for
America’s survival, our survival. We pray that we will be given
strength by the Creator to follow the footsteps of our forefathers to
share our love, respect and compassion for one another. There is good
in everyone because the Creator has put a little of Himself in all of
us.

We pray for forgiveness for the pain and suffering we have caused
one another. We pray that our children will not repeat our mistakes We
pray that we can respect the diversity of America; all life is sacred.

Every child born is a precious gift of our Creator. It is our
sacred trust to embrace children from all walks of life because we are
part of the same family. We pray that children will honor and respect
their elders-that is where the wisdom comes from. This respect will not
allow forgotten elders. We are all equal, with each having our own
special gift to contribute.

These values allow our youth to become leaders and workers in our society.

Children, you are our future and our hope for the people. Stand and be courageous.

We pray to learn and use the wisdom of all that has come before us,
to achieve personal successes and to contribute to those of others.
Only when our young ones learn respect for everything can they evolve.

EARTH

We pray for respect and love of Mother Earth because she is the
foundation of human survival and we must keep her pollution-free for
those who will travel after us. Protect her water, air, soil, trees,
forests, plants and animals. Do not just take and waste resources. Make
it a priority to conserve. The land is given to us by the Creator to
care for, not to own. If we take care of the land, the land will take
care of us.

UNITY

We should have respect for each other. We pray for commitment and
responsible behavior in order to help those in need and to give them
support and friendship. Be an example in life that others may follow;
serve people, community and country. We should all strive to be leaders
and contributors. Do not sit back and let others plan and do all the
thinking.

Let us unite together so that we may have the strength to protect our future.

Strength comes from working through trials and tribulations.

HEALTH

Spiritual health is the key to holistic health. We pray to have the
discipline to set healthy examples for our children to follow.
Respecting everyone and everything in the universe starts with
self-respect. Take time to listen and take care of your body and spirit

FAMILY AND YOUTH

Family is important and precious. Always let them know that they
are loved. Let your children and grandchildren know you are always
there to love and support them and that they mean the world to you no
matter what they do or say. Children are of infinite value. Live what
you teach.

Spiritual values, honesty, and integrity start in the home. We pray for the youth.

We must teach the youth to work together and respect all that is
living on our Mother Earth. We need to convey to our younger
generations that the survival of our people lies in spirituality.

PEACE

We pray to learn ways to settle differences peacefully. Teach
respect for each other’s ideas. Value honesty on all levels, from
children to parents to community to governments. We will be happy when
we create peace with each other.

TO THE 7TH GENERATION