inspiration
The Iroquois
Thanksgiving Address
Ohenton Kariwahtekwen
(Greetings to the Natural World)
Native Americans believe that to be human is a gift and an honor, requir-
ing mindful gratitude. Still spoken at Iroquois ceremonial and governmental
gatherings, this Thanksgiving Address dates back more than 1,000 years and
elegantly recognizes the many gifts in our lives.
T
oday we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We
have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other
and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give
greetings and thanks to each other as people.
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we
need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy
that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time.
We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and
providing us with strength. Water is life.
As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They
sustain many life forms. We give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life
for many generations to come.
We send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They
have many things to teach us. We are honored by them when they give up
their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them
32 Broward County
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