Hi All,

Many American Indians believed in The Great Spirit and fashioned their lives according to the teachings of this deity. They had sayings which reflected their thoughts about The Great Spirit.

Today, although we may refer to “The Great Spirit” by various names, we still believe. Taking a look back, I think that we can all learn from these words of wisdom…and humor.

Here’s are a several of my favorites:

“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself…”
Tecumseh – Shawnee

“The Great Spirit is in all things, he is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground she returns to us….”
Big Thunder (Bedagi) – Wabanaki Alonquin

“The Great Spirit raised both the white man and the Indian. I think he raised the Indian first. He raised me in this land, it belongs to me. The white man was raised over the great waters, and his land is over there. Since they crossed the sea, I have given them room. There are now white people all about me. I have but a small spot of land left. The Great Spirit told me to keep it.”
Chief Red Cloud – Sioux

“Some of our chiefs make the claim that the land belongs to us. It is not what the Great Spirit told me. He told me that the lands belong to Him, that no people owns the land; that I was not to forget to tell this to the white people when I met them in council.”
Kanekuk – Kickapoo prophet

FIRST PEOPLE: NATIVE AMERICAN WISDOM

Suggestions for Discussion

Place students in groups, and have them choose two of the sayings.

Have the group get the meanings for any new vocabulary words.

They are to interpret the meanings of both sayings, then compare the two.

Tags: Bedagi, Big Thunder, Chief Red Cloud, Great spirit, Kanekuk, Kickapoo prophet, religion, Shawnee, Sioux, Tecumseh, Wabanaki Alonquin