In today's world, we've drifted far from what's accurate and true! We're surrounded by rules, ownership, and restrictions on things that, by nature, should be free: the land, the air, the water, and the very Earth beneath our feet, but these weren't meant to come with price tags. But here we are, living in a world where the essentials of life are often treated as commodities.
No One Owns the Land, Water, Air, or Earth! From an Indigenous perspective, these elements are sacred. Our ancestors have lived in harmony with the Earth for generations, recognizing that no one can truly own the land. The world doesn't belong to us, but we belong to it. Yet today, corporate interests, governments, and powerful entities act as though they hold the deed to nature itself. They place borders around water sources, pollute the air we breathe, and dig up the land with little regard for its sanctity.
According to Algonquin and many other Indigenous teachings, our Creator has provided these gifts — land, water, air, Earth — as resources to be shared, protected, and honoured. They're free, just as they were intended to be. There's a deep sense of responsibility embedded in this belief. It's not about taking but about stewarding what was entrusted to us.
So why does the Earth require a fee?
The answer is simple: greed. Greed has placed a price on what was meant to be free. Fueled by profit, corporate interests have set the price for clean water, fresh air, and fertile land. They turn these gifts into resources only accessible to those who can pay. But Indigenous wisdom teaches us that these resources should not — and cannot — be limited to the wealthy. They are human rights, not privileges.
The Power of Respecting Nature's Gifts
1. History of Indigenous Respect for Nature Indigenous cultures have a long history of respecting and nurturing the land. To the Algonquin people and other Indigenous nations, every tree, river, and mountain has a spirit. It's not just a resource; it's a living, breathing part of our shared world. In ancient times, there were no borders or fences because the concept of owning land didn't exist. Communities worked in harmony with nature, taking only what was necessary and giving back whenever possible.
2. Living in Balance and Harmony Living the Native Way means walking gently on the Earth. It means recognizing that every action reacts. When we take too much, we disrupt the balance. Indigenous teachings tell us that we must leave enough for the next seven generations, but a principle that promotes sustainability and respect for the future. Imagine if today's society embraced this wisdom. What kind of world would we leave for our children?
3. How to Reconnect with the Earth's Gifts
- Step into Nature Without Expectation: The first step to reconnecting is simply being present. Go into the forest, sit by the water, or breathe fresh air. Leave your phone behind. Allow yourself to feel the interconnectedness of everything around you.
- Practice Gratitude for the Free Gifts: When you drink water, give thanks. When you breathe, recognize the miracle of life. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, reminding us of nature's abundance without asking for anything in return.
- Challenge the Idea of Ownership: Ask yourself what it truly means to own something. Do we own the Earth, or are we merely caretakers? This simple shift in perspective can change how we interact with the world. When we see ourselves as caretakers rather than owners, we start to live in ways that honour and respect nature.
The Reality of Our Earth Today
- Water: 1 in 10 people lacks clean water, while industries profit from bottled water and water rights.
- Land: Corporations own about 7.8 million acres of land in the U.S. alone, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and Indigenous lands.
- Air: Pollution affects over 90% of the world's population, with the poorest communities often suffering the worst consequences.
Embrace the Creator's Gifts
Indigenous wisdom isn't just a lesson in history but a blueprint for the future. As a society, we must challenge the commodification of nature. Our Creator has provided these essential gifts freely, yet greed has created barriers. Let's work together to dismantle those barriers, protect what is sacred, and respect the gifts we've been given.
The Native Way is not just a way of living but a philosophy that can guide us back to a balanced and respectful relationship with our world. Imagine a life where you feel connected, grounded, and in harmony with everything around you. Imagine a world where the land, water, air, and Earth are again free! That's the vision of Hunting for Greatness the Native Way!
It's time to honour our Creator's gifts and resist the greed that blinds us. Let's walk this path together!