Appropriation or Appreciation

The Native American Nations of the United States and Canada are the indigenous peoples and traditional caretakers of North America. They have been called the guardians of the earth, as all indigenous cultures carry this lineage. They are also caretakers of cultures, philosophies, customs, and ways of life that have existed for millions of years. The spiritual link of Native people to the land, water, resources, and ancestors is something we should all be more cognizant of. In teaching about indigenous peoples, there is a fine line between what has been culturally appropriated and what is cultural appreciation. Predominately, what has been taught is not accurate and is stereotypical in nature. Native peoples have been written out of the K-12 curriculum in a way that is damaging to history and to Native children. Appropriation, misrepresentation, and dehumanizing Native peoples is harmful. In contrast, understanding cultural worldviews, gaining respect, awareness, and appreciation for their beliefs is crucial to the honoring of Native peoples. Indigenous communities are shaped by value systems that stem from ancestral knowledge and responsibility. We are accountable not only to ourselves, our Land, our ancestors, but also to the future generations. These relationships define and ground our relationship in what is best for the whole. It's time Indians tell the world what we know, that Mother Earth is sacred, as are the things around us that sustain our lives: the sun, moon, wind, rain, rivers, mountains, trees, rocks, birds, fish, and animals. When these aspects of nature are destroyed or damaged, the earth, the environment, and the people are hurt as a result. For Indian people the issues of earth, tradition, and culture are all related. They impact all of us in this Circle of Life. As Indians we see ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it. To emphasize a close relationship with nature we need to teach others to understand how to care for the earth, to have a sensory awareness of it and all living creatures, and to care for each other. This is our sacred duty that has been lost throughout time. To teach respect, sensitivity, and awareness of traditional Indian ways is most effective in the teachings of the Sacred Hoop or Medicine Wheel. It is time to bring forth the teachings of the Sacred Hoop so that everyone on this earth understands their responsibility. Providing this wisdom and engaging children in an organic curriculum means they are led to discussions and are allowed to probe value assumptions and engage in introspection to develop empathy, appreciation, and respect for others. The Medicine Wheel teaches about living in balance and harmony with all life and with each other. It is a symbol representing the Universe and the sacredness of all things. It’s a belief in unity, not separation, and connects us in this web of life with love and reverence for all things. What we do has a direct effect on each other and every living thing. We are all responsible for one another and for this planet, collectively so. The world is a joint effort. If we mindfully collaborate and unite with the heart of compassion, we will bring about a powerful and much needed change in our world. All people, all living things share a common future. To understand the connection of all things and to bring about harmony resides first with ourselves and then ripples out like waves on a pond. Each individual has a role at this crossroads in history, and that role is first and foremost to understand that we are all interconnected. We are ultimately and universally responsible to help each other manifest a world with greater dignity, respect, and compassion for all life in its diversity. Learning about Indigenous people and their culture through authentic activities is cultural appreciation and culturally responsive. The teachings of the Medicine Wheel or Circle of Life do not infringe on Native people - rather it respects their beliefs. I feel it is a sacred duty as guardians of the earth to impart this wisdom, to create greater moral tolerance and respect, and to bring forth a world that embraces us all, that we may function and co-exist in harmony, peace, interdependence, and balance for all life. May we see in each other, each and every day that we are relatives in the light, in harmony with what benefits all in this moment. May we stand in circle of good relationship with ourselves, with each other, and with the Universe, and create networks of peace and compassion for all.