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Earth Day Thanksgiving

Honoring the Earth: Reflections on the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or the Thanksgiving Address

By ARJ GamingytPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Earth Day Thanksgiving
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd, which brings attention to the environmental challenges that our planet is facing. This year's Earth Day marks the 51st anniversary of the event, which has become a global movement of people and organizations committed to protecting the planet and building a sustainable future for all.

One of the key themes of Earth Day is the importance of environmental stewardship and respect for the natural world. In this context, it is worth reflecting on the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or the Thanksgiving Address, which is a traditional prayer and message of gratitude from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people of North America. The Thanksgiving Address is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility we all share to care for the Earth and its resources.

The Thanksgiving Address is a long-standing tradition among the Haudenosaunee, dating back over a thousand years. It is recited at the beginning of all important meetings, gatherings, and ceremonies, as a way of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for all the elements of creation that sustain life. The address is usually delivered by a member of the Haudenosaunee, often a clan mother or an elder, who has learned it by heart and is able to recite it in the original language.

The Thanksgiving Address is a complex and multi-layered prayer, with each section addressing a different aspect of creation. The address begins by acknowledging the Creator, who has given the people the gift of life and all that sustains it. It then goes on to thank the elements of the natural world, including the sun, moon, stars, water, air, plants, and animals, for their roles in maintaining the delicate balance of life on Earth. Each section of the address is punctuated with a refrain of "All our relations," which recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and the fact that we are all part of a larger community of life.

The Thanksgiving Address is a profound expression of gratitude and reverence for the natural world, and it reminds us of our obligation to care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. The Haudenosaunee people have been practicing environmental stewardship for centuries, and their traditional knowledge and practices offer valuable lessons for contemporary society.

One of the key messages of the Thanksgiving Address is the importance of reciprocity and balance in our relationship with the natural world. The address acknowledges that we are all interconnected and interdependent, and that our actions have consequences for the health and well-being of the entire ecosystem. This message is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which is a global challenge that requires collective action and a shift towards more sustainable practices.

The Thanksgiving Address also highlights the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and preserve the natural world. Each section of the address acknowledges a different aspect of creation, from the smallest insect to the largest mountain, and emphasizes the role that each one plays in the larger ecosystem. This message is particularly important in the context of the ongoing loss of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect and restore ecosystems.

Another key message of the Thanksgiving Address is the importance of community and the role that each individual plays in the larger social and ecological system. The address emphasizes the importance of cooperation, respect, and mutual support, and highlights the fact that we all have a responsibility to care for each other and for the natural world. This message is particularly relevant in the context of the current global pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing global challenges.

In conclusion, the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or the Thanksgiving Address, is a powerful and inspiring message of gratitude, respect, and environmental stewardship from the Haudenosaunee people. The address reminds us of

Nature
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