"As Planet Earth goes through her Great Turning, and as we are witness to it, we must keep in mind our relationship with the future generations. How will they describe this time in history? Will they study about these times in their history books? Will they sing songs and tell stories about the people who saw the devastation that we were wreaking on our beloved planet and stepped forward to stop it? Will they tell tales about how we saved the oceans and waters from toxic spills and pollution? The indigenous people of North America have a tradition of considering the 7th generation in the future when they are making any kind of decision that will have long-lasting consequences."
      – Joanna Macy

Artwork courtesy of artist, Meganne Forbes

Greetings and Thanks

Greetings and Thanks to each other as people

To the Earth, mother of us all – Greetings and Thanks

To the Waters, Waterfalls, and Rain, Rivers and Oceans – Greetings and Thanks

To all the Fish Life – Greetings and Thanks

The Grains and Greens, Beans and Berries – as one we send thanks to Food Plants

Medicine Herbs of the World and their Keepers – Greetings and Thanks

To all the Animals and their teachings – Greetings and Thanks

The Trees for Shelter and Shade, Fruit and Beauty – Greetings and Thanks

To all Birds large and small – joyful Greetings and Thanks

And from the Four Directions, the Four Winds – thank you for purifying the air we breathe and giving us strength – Greetings

The Thunderers – our Grandfathers in the Sky – we hear your voices – Greetings and Thanks

And now the Sun – for the light of a new day and all the fires of life – Greetings and Thanks

To our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, leader of women all over the world, the Stars for their mystery, beauty and guidance – Greetings and Thanks

To our Teachers from all times, reminding us of how to live in harmony – Greetings and Thanks

And for all the gifts of Creation, for all the Love around us – Greetings and Thanks

And for that which is forgotten, we remember.

We end our words.

And now our minds are one.

                                        -Haudenosaunee Blessing