The true wisdom of Chief Seathl
There is ample evidence that our expansive materialistic industrial society has much to learn from aboriginal cultures which, throughout the world, have certain traits in common: a profound connection to Nature and deference towards its sacredness, societies built of small, human-scale units centered on family and community, and a system of government based on consensus and wary of the long-term impact of its decisions. Chief Seathl, who became chief of the Suquamish tribe in 1808 at the age of 22, captures well that spirit and wisdom in his famous speech given in 1854. It speaks of sound values, of recognizing the sacred character of Nature, of the attachment to the land where one’s ancestors are buried. It also describes the decline and resignation of the American Indians, and indirectly warns White Man of the future environmental and social consequences of his recklessness.
Read the rest of this page »