With so many cultures in the world and so much conflict, is it possible to learn about the positive aspects of people’s way of living? Learn new fundamentals and perhaps incorporate it into our lives. Even some understanding can go a long way.
As a young girl, I was fascinated with The Native American Indians and the era of The American West. One of my all time favourite books was “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown. It taught me so much about their culture and beliefs and what they held dear to the hearts. It was a big influence of my life. It stated original dialogues of The Native Americans. Of course, not all culture and beliefs would be feasible in today’s society but I am sure some of their beliefs and the way they lived their life would lead us to have a better world today and be in grasp of today’s issues.
On the whole, they lived harmoniously amongst their village and tribe members, they looked after each other. If a chief or warrior was rich in various items (such as ponies, clothing etc) he would give and be looked upon highly. There was never a gap between rich and poor like today’s society. There was no one without, they were fed, clothed and had shelter to the best that the tribe could provide. No one was homeless like today being a major issue.
They valued the beauty of their environment and worshiped Mother Earth and what it provided to them. They gave back to their creator through ceremonies and dances. They were true conservationists and aligned themselves with their environment as well as finding different herbs and plants that provided them with medicine treating various diseases and symptoms.
Animals were just as important to them providing them with food and clothing as well as their spiritual elements giving them strong medicine for protection in battle. They valued what lived in their environment and treated animals with respect.
Women and children were held in high regard, they held great value towards women’s contribution to village life. Children were seen as the future giving the tribe prosperity. When warriors defended their villages through attacks, they would put their lives on the line to protect the women and children so they could flee if needed and keep safe. Today domestic violence is a big issue around the world.
