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Earth Day | "Thanksgiving Address, Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen"

Earth Day Tribute

By Kristen BalyeatPublished 11 months ago Updated 11 months ago 16 min read
Top Story - April 2023
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In honor of Earth Day, I'd like to share a beautiful transcript that has become a staple in my weekly reading: Thanksgiving Address, Greetings to the Natural World. Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Words Before All Else). This transcript consists of the traditional Native American words of Thanksgiving from the Native Haudenosaunee (hoe-dee-no-SHOW-nee) people, also known as Iroquois (ee-ruh-kwaa) or Six Nations: Mohawk (mow-haak), Oneida (oh-ny-duh), Onondaga (aa-nuhn-daa-guh), Cayuga (kay-YOO-Ga), Seneca (seh-nuh-kuh), and Tuscarora (tuh-skuh-RAW-ruh)- of upstate New York and Canada (Thanksgiving Address, intro).

I was introduced to this address through the book, Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend adding it to your list. It is one of my all-time favorites! After reading the excerpt, I immediately went online to order a small booklet of the transcript for myself, to carry with me so I could easily access it. I was so deeply touched by the purpose behind the words that I wanted to give my, albeit small, contribution to the Native American community by purchasing this piece of Haudenosaunee culture. Having a percentage of Nansemond (nan-seh-mund) in my blood, I have a longing to connect with and support Native American heritage in whatever ways I can.

The words enveloped in this beautiful piece are an address of gratitude and thanks to the natural world. The intro of the booklet gives us the history: “The Thanksgiving address has ancient roots, dating back over one thousand years to the formation of the Great Law of Peace by a man called the Peacemaker, and perhaps before that. Today these words are still spoken at the opening and closing of all ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Six Nations.”

In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer shares that on the Onondaga reserve by her home, the school children begin their week with these words of gratitude- “This ancient order of protocol sets gratitude as the highest priority. The gratitude is directed straight to the ones who share their gifts with the world (p.107).”

As I considered writing this piece, I wondered if it would be appropriate to share these sacred words on a platform like this. Then I remembered, in Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer had the same question in regard to her book:

Because I feared overstepping my boundaries in sharing what I have been told, I asked permission to write about it and how it has influenced my own thinking. Over and over, I was told that these words are a gift of the Haudenosaunee to the world. When I asked Onondaga Faith Keeper, Oren Lyons about it, he gave his signature slightly bemused smile and said, "Of course you should write about it. It’s supposed to be shared, otherwise how can it work? We’ve been waiting five hundred years for people to listen. If they’d understood the Thanksgiving then we wouldn't be in this mess (p.116)."

Imagine a world where we begin each and every public action, including our school days, sessions in government, or even family gatherings, acknowledging our gratitude for the natural world around us. How much reverence for this beautiful Earth would we speak into existence? How much more compelled would we be to take care of the incredible gifts we have? If our thoughts are focused on the blessings we so often overlook, how would our perspectives change? Would we feel more inclined to activate, conserve, and restore this wonderful world we have the privilege of inhabiting? If we all came together with “one mind” of gratitude could we perhaps realize that, although we may have a difference of opinion on certain matters, we do have so much much more in common than we realize?

I am absolutely head over heels in love with this practice. It is with deep conviction, and with the words of Oren Lyons emblazoned in my mind, I share this beautiful gift with you. My dear friends, will you please take pause and come together with me to read these words of thanks for the beautiful gifts that surround us–

*The following words came from the Thanksgiving Address Booket. Out of deep reverence for the Native American language, I have included the Mohawk and English translation as it is written in the booklet. Each verse is written in the order that the booklet presents- there are no page numbers to cite.

I chose to add photos for a little added delight. The booklet contains beautiful sketches.

By Helena Lopes on Unsplash

The People

Today we have gathered and when we look upon the faces around us 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 beings. So, now, we bring our minds together as one as we give our greetings and our thanks to each other as People.

Now our minds are one

***

Onkwehshón:'a

Onwa wenhniserá:te. ionkwakia'taró:ron ne iorihwá:ke ne aitewaka'enionnion tsi niohtonhá:kie tsi na'titewátere ne, onkwehshón;'a tánon' tsi niioht tsi rokwatákwen ne ohontsià:ke. Ne ne á:ienre'k akwé;kon skén:nen tsi tewanonhtón:nion ne tsi niionkwè:take kenhnón:we iahitewaia 'taié.ri oni tsi ionkwata'karí:te iah thahò:ten tekionkwakia'tónkiot ne kanonhwa 'kténhtshera'. Ne kati ehnón:we iorihwa:ke tsi entewátka'we ne kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho niohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikónra.

By NASA on Unsplash

The Earth Mother

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. To our Mother, we send thanksgiving, love, and respect.

Now our minds are one.

***

lethi'nisténha Ohóntsia

'Onen nón:wa ehnón:we nentsitewate 'nikonhraié:ra'te lethi' nisténha Ohóntsia tsi ne'e taiakohtka'wenhá:kie tsi naho'tèn:shon ionkionhehkwen. Iotshennóninia't tsi shé:kon teionkhihsniékie tsi nfioht tsi shakohrienaién:ni ne shahakwatá:ko ne tsi ionhontsiá:te. Ne ionkhihawihshon ne onkwehshón:a. tánon' kario'ta'shón: 'a tsi nikariwes ohontsia:ke teionkwatawénrie. Ne kati ehnón:we iorihwa:ke tsi entewátka'we ne kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho nitohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikönra.

By Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

The Waters

We give thanks to all the Water of the world for quenching our thirst, providing us with strength, and nurturing life for all beings. Water is life. We know its power in many forms – Waterfalls and Rain, Mists and Streams, Rivers and Oceans, Snow and Ice. We are grateful that the Waters are still here and meeting their responsibility to bring life to all of Creation. With one mind, we send our greeting and our thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one

***

Ohneka'shón:'a

Onen ehnón:we ientsitewakié:ra'te ne ohneka'shón:'a tsi rawé:ren tsi enkahnekónionke ne tsi ionhontsiá:te. Ne ehnón:we nitewéhtha ne aionkwaha'taná:wen nó:nen enionkwania'táthen.

Nia'teka'shatstenhserá:ke tewaienté:ri-tsi iciohnekén:shon, tsi iokennó:re's, tsi iaonhawi:ne's tánon' tsi kaniatarahrón:nion. Khénska tsi entewahwe'non:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra ne iorihwa:ke tsi entewátka'we ne kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash

The Fish

We turn our minds to all of the Fish life in the Water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the Water. We are grateful that they continue to do their duties, and that we can still find pure Water. So we send to the Fish our greetings and our thanks.

Now our minds are one

***

Kentsionshón:'a

Tánon' kati ehnón:we nikonti:teron ne khia'tekéntsiake tánon' otsi nonwa'shón:'a. Ne'e teshakó:wi ne takontohtáhrho tsi kahnekarón:nion.

Ne oni taionatka'wenhákie ne onkwatenna:tshera .ne ionkwaia'tahnirá:tha. Ne ne' iotshennón:nia't tsi shé:kon iorihwató:ken ionkwatshenrionhákie ne ne. kahneki:io. Ehnonkwá:ti entewakiéira'te ne entewátka'we ne kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra

By Max Beck on Unsplash

The Plants

Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plants. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give our thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life continue for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one

***

Tsi Shonkwaienth6:wi

Ne onen ehnön:we nentsitewakié:ra'te ne tsi ni:ioht

*si tekahentaién:ton. Ia'teiotkahroktha ohöntsiakwé:kon taiohnio'onhákie ne shonkwaienthó:wi ne nia'tekonti'satstenhserá:ke ne ohonte'shón:'a.

Aiá:wens kiótkon aitewatkahthohseke ne tsi niioht-tsi rowinentá: 'on. Enska tsi entewahwenón:ni ne.. onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' tsi ia'teiotihtehrón:ton entitewahawihtánion ne kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éntho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

The Food Plants

With one mind we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden who feed us with such abundance. Since the beginning of time, the Grains, Vegetables, Beans and Fruit have helped the people survive. Many other living beings draw strength from them as well. We gather together in our minds all the Plant Foods and send them our greetings and our thanks.

Now our minds are one

***

Kaien'thohshera

Enska tsi entewahwe' nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' ehnón:we nentsitewakié:ra'te ne. ne onkwatennà:tshera tsi ni ioht tsi shonkwaienthó:wi.

Ne teionkwahsniékie ne kaienthóhsera tsi nikari:wes ohontsia:ke teionkwatawenrie. Nia'teiotikióhkwake

"ne ká:nen, osahè:ta tánon' kahi'shón: 'a tewaienthokwas ne ionkwaiatahnira:tha. Ne oni iononhehkwen ne kwah tsi naho'tèn:shon róhshon ne ohontsia:ke. Ne tsi nentewá:iere ne kati enkiethihwe'nón:ni ne kaienthohtshera'shón:'a tsi wa'tiiethinonhwerá:ton.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

The Medicine Herbs

Now we turn to all the Medicine Plants of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy that there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these Plants for healing. With one mind we send thanksgiving, love, and respect to the Medicines, and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one

***

Ononhkwa'shón:'a

Ne onen ehnón:we nentsitewakié:ra'te ne ononhkwa'shón:'a iorihwá:ke. Ne' tsi nihoié:ren ohontsiakwé:kon tethohráhthon ne ononhkwa'shón:'a. Ne ionaterihonte a'é:ren kontihawíhtha ne kanonhwa'kténhtshera. Kiótkon iotiharékies tánon' ionatatewinenta:on aiakótsien'te'. lotshennonnia't tsi shé:kon teiontonkwe'taiestáhshion ne ronné:iahre tsi niiotiianerenhshero'tén:shonneononhkwa'shón:'a.

'Onen kati nen'ne tentsiethinonhwerá:ton ne ononhkwa'shón:'a tánon' tsi niionkwè:take ne'e tehotihkwen tsi rontenonhkwá:tsheranonhne.

Éhtho ntiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

The Animals

We gather our minds together to send our greetings and our thanks to all the Animal life in the world, who walk about with us. They have many things to teach us as People. We are grateful that they continue to share their lives with us and pray that it will always be so. Let us put our minds together as one and send our thanks to the Animals.

Now our minds are one

***

Kontírio

Enska tsi entewahwe'nón:ni ne onkwa' nikon:sa tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne kontirio ne ne ohontsiakwé:kon shakotká:wen. Okia'ke iethi:kenhs teionatawenriehákies atónkie tsi ionkwataskwahrónnion oni tsi kaskawaién:ton.

Iotshennónnia't ehnón:we forihwa:ke tsi shé:kon iethi:kenhs ne konti: rio oni aiá:wens kiótkon ehnaiohtónhake.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikónra.

Photo Cred: davidbalyeat.com

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with Fruit, beauty and other useful things. The Maple is the leader of the Trees, to recognize its gift of Sugar to the People when they need it most. Many People of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and our thanks to the Tree life.

Now our minds are one

***

Okwire'shón:'a

Onen nón:wa ehnón:we nentsitewate 'nikonhraié:ra'te ne iorihwá:ke ne okwire'shón:'a. Ohontsiakwé:kon kahwatsiraké:ron iotihnió:ton ne ne khia'tekakwi:rake.

Ne ne tsi naho 'tèn:shon ionaterihón:te ne khia'tekaién:take ókia'ke' thonón:we nitewaterahkwawehosthákhwa tánon' ókia'ke' iohien'tón:nion oni tsi ne. iontenonhshatariha'táhkhwa tánon' oni ne ionniá:ton ne tsi ionkwataskwahrónnion. Iotka'tákie ronatkwirarákwen ne onkwehshón: 'a ne ne ohontsiakwé:kon kahwatsiraké:ron tsi ne'e shonehiahráhkhwen ne skenen 'ko:wa tánon' ka'shatsténhsera. Enska tsi entewahwe'nón:ni ne onkwa' nikón:ra tsi wa'kiethinonhwerá:ton ne okwire'shón:'a.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them the gift of beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader, and to watch over the world. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest– we send our joyful greetings and our thanks.

Now our minds are one

***

Otsi'ten'okón:'a

Enska tsi enfewahwe' nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne otsi'ten'okón:'a tsi ionkwatenontsistaténion kontikienónkie's. Ne kati ne'e shakorenná:wi ne akonterenno:ten ne ne skén:nen akaién:take tsi ionhontsiá:te. Okia'ke oni : ne entewatekhwaiéhstahkwe. Oni ne rorákwen ne tsi niká:ien entkonwatikowanenháke ne ne á:kweks'* nihohshenno:ten. Iotshennonnia't tsi shé:kon. iethi:kenhs akwé:kon ne otsi'ten'okón:'a ne nihonná:sa oni ne raktikowá:nen's. Onen kati tentsiethinonhwerá:ton ne otsi'ten'okón:'a.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash

The Four Winds

We are thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the morning Air as they refresh us and purify the Air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and our thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one

***

Owera'shón:'a

Onen nón:wa ehnón:we nentsitewate nikonraié:ra'te ne tsi ni:ioht tsi rokwatá:kwen rawé:ren enkaién:take ne ka'shatstenhsera'shón:'a ne ne kaiéri nikawerá:ke.

Ne iethiwennahrónkha ratiwerarástha ne tsi ionhontsiá:te á:se shonnón:ni ne tsi ní:ioht tsi

•tewatón:rie oni tsi ne tehotitenionhákie ne tsi nionkwakenhnhó:tens. Kaié:ri niokwén:rare tsi nón:we thatiienhthákhwa tsi ionkhi'shatstenhsherá:wihs.

Ne tsi nentsitewá:iere enska tsi entewahwe nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne ne kaié:ri nikawerá:ke.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Eugene Triguba on Unsplash

The Thunderers

Now we turn to the West where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the Water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send our greetings and our thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one

***

Ratiwé:ras

•Onen ehnón:we ientsitewakié:rate ne tsi ia'tewa'tshénthos nón:we thatienhthákhwa ne ionkhisho' thokón:'a ratiwéras.

Tewahni' nakara'wánionhs nó:nen á:re tontaiaonharé:re tahatihnekenhá:wi ne á:se

•enshonnón:ni ne tsi ionhontsiá:te. Ne tsi nentewá:iere enska tsi entewahwe nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne ionkhisho'thokón:'a ratiwé:ras.

Éhtho niohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikónra.

Photo Cred: davidbalyeat.com

The Sun

We now send our greetings and our thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from East to West, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send our greetings and our thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one

***

Kionhkehnehkha Karáhkwa

Onen nón:wa ehnón:we nentsitewate 'nikonraié:ra'te ne tsi karonhiá:te rorihwató:ken éhtho tehaiahiá: khons ne tshionkwahtsi:'a kionhkehnéhkha karáhkwa.

Ne tehoswa'thé:ton tsi niaonkwenonhákie tánon' ne ro'tariha' tonhákie ne tsi ionhontsiá:te ne ne sken:nen tsi akontonhahtén:ti ne tsi nahò: ten shonkwaienthó:wi. Ne tsi nentsitewá:iere enska tsi entewahwe nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' tentshitewanonhwerá:ton ne tshionkwahtsi:'a kionhkehnéhkha karáhkwa.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikön:ra.

Photo Credit: Our very own Dana Crandell- and check more of his work here

Grandmother Moon

We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the Ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send our greetings and our thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one

***

Ahsonthenhnéhkha Karáhkwa

Ne tsi nentsitewá:iere enska tsi entewahwe nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne ne ahsonthenhnéhshon ehnón:we kiekonhsarákies ne ne ionkhihsótha karáhkwa. Ohontsiakwé:kon ne tekontatenen'tshí:ne ne tsiona' thonwí:sen. Oni tsi. ní:ioht tsi wat'nekoriá:nerenhs ohontsiakwé:kon akaónha ne ehnón:we iakorihwaientáhkwen.

'Akaónha iakote'nientenhsthonhákie ka'nikahá:wi tsi tehotita' onhákie ne ratiksha'okón:'a. Oni ne tewate'nientenhstáhkhwa tsi ni:ioht tsi teiakotenionhákie tsi nikiakotkonhsaierá:ton ne'e onkwatenhni' tashetáhtshera.

'Onen kati enska tsi entewahwe nón:ni ne onkwa'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne ionkhihsótha karáhkwa.

Éhtho nitohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

Photo Credit: Our very own Dana Crandell- and check more of his work here

The Stars

We give our thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewels. We see them at night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing beings. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send our greeting and our thanks for the Stars.

Now our minds are one

***

Otsistanohkwa'shón:'a

É:neken nentsitewakié:ra'te ne ne

otsistanohkwa'shón:'a tentsiethinonhwerá:ton.

Ahsonthenhnéhshon iethí:kenhs shakotiienawá:se ne ionkhihsótha karáhkwa tehotihswathé:ton. Oni tsi ne'e ron'aweiástha ne ne skén:nen tsi akontonha'tén:ti ne tsi nahò:ten shonkwaienthó:wi tánon' tsi ionkwathehtaké:ron. Ne oni

tewate'nientenhsthákhwa tsi ah thaitewakia'táhton tsi niahonkwennonhákie. Enska tsi entewahwe'nón:ni ne onkwa 'nikón:ra tánon' teniethinonhwerá:ton ne otsistanohkwa'shón:'a.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

By Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

The Creator

Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, the Great Spirit, and send our greeting and our thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on Mother Earth. Let us pile up our thanks like a heap of Flowers on a blanket. We will each take a corner and toss it high into the sky. So our thanks should be as rich as the gifts of the world that shower down upon us. For all the love that is around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one

***

Shonkwaia'tison

Onen ehnón;we iatitewawennanihá:ra 'ne ne tsi nón:we thotatenaktarakwén:nine Shonkwaia'tison.

Akwé:kon ehnón:we nikiawé:non ne ka'shatsténhsera.

Akwé:kon ne tahotka' wenhákie ne tsi nahò:ten ne ne skén:nen tsi aitewanonhtonnionhá:ke tsi nikarí:wes. ohontsia:ke teionkwatawénrie. Iotshennónnia't ne taiontkahthónnion ne orihwakwé:kon á:ienre'k: shonkwanorónhkwa tsi shé:kon iotiio 'tákie ne tsi ni:ioht tsi shakorihwaientahkwen tsi naho'tèn:shon rohshon ne tsi ionhontsiá:te. Entitewateweién:ton ehnón:we entewatewennaié:ra'te ne ne si na'karón:iati ne kati wahi entewátka'we kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho niiohtónha'k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

Yours truly, with the Mountains and Forest that I am immensely grateful for– that feed my spirit like no other (Specifically Mt.Sneffels/Uncomphagre National Forest)- special appearance by Brother Sun, giving me a tender embrace (2018).

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it is not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send their greetings and their thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one

***

Sakarihwahó:ton

Onen ehnón:we iahétewawe ne ieiche onsaitewarihwahó:ton. Ne tsi naho'tèn:shon wetewana'tónnion, iah ki teionkwa'nikonhrón:ni toka nahò:ten'k saionkwa'nikónhrhen. Tsi sewaia'tátshon ki ne onen wakwarihwaientáhkwen ne entisewatka'we kanonhweratónhtshera.

Éhtho niiohtónha'°k ne onkwa'nikón:ra.

_______________

Thank you for taking the time to pause with me and send our gratitude together to the beautiful gifts of this life.

I would now like to express my gratitude for you. I consider myself so fortunate to know you, wether in person or through your writing. You have impacted my life in a massive way. You are important to me. Thank you for all the gifts you bring to this world!

_______________

*If you'd like to order a copy of the Thanksgiving Address, Greetings to the Natural World. Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Words Before All Else), while supporting the Native American Haudenosaunee people, you can purchase the booklet here: https://thetrackingproject.org/the-tracking-project-teaching-resources/

*Here is a link to purchase Braiding Sweetgrass (of course they have it on Amazon, but this is my favorite local bookstore where I live): https://www.tatteredcover.com/book/9781571313560

*A special thanks to Dana Crandell for giving me permission to use two of his gorgeous photos for the Moon and Stars! Here is a link to his vocal page so you can also check out his amazing writing- some of his work inspired by his photography: https://vocal.media/authors/dana-crandell

...and check out his Facebook page for more awesome images here: https://www.facebook.com/docrandellphoto

*Thanks to my hubs, David, for the use of his photos for this piece. He didn't really have a choice, but he was more than happy to help! You can explore more of this beautiful Earth through his photos here: https://davidbalyeat.com/

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42

About the Creator

Kristen Balyeat

Words fly to me on the wind, bump into me as I'm strolling the city, splash me in the face while I rest by the river, and shake me awake in the middle of the night– I’m humbly one of the many vessels they use to come to life.

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Comments (21)

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  • Varsha S9 months ago

    Wonderful article ✨

  • MD Mohaiminul Islam11 months ago

    Excellent

  • Roy Stevens11 months ago

    Lots of memories (good and bad) for me there. I used to giggle at this line: 'The Maple is the leader of the Trees', but please keep in mind that happened when I was a little kid- well okay up to about twelve years old. I still really don't quite know what made me giggle, it just seemed like an odd sentiment to me with all the other beautiful trees watching. I also always wondered what Raven felt about Eagle being appointed chief of birds. Thanks for that trip down memory lane; they seldom do the whole piece anymore I'm afraid. I haven't heard it in almost half a century. (Wow am I getting old fast!)

  • Meri web11 months ago

    Really great content.

  • Naomi Gold11 months ago

    Beautiful. I wondered if you were Native American based on your profile picture. I’m part Lakota, but did not grow up anywhere near the culture. I’m learning it since moving to Minneapolis, Lakota for “water city.”

  • Farhan Mirza 11 months ago

    I have read an amazing article on earth too , do give it a read

  • Dana Crandell11 months ago

    There was no doubt in my mind I'd see this on the Top Story list today! Congratulations, Kristen, you more than earned it!

  • Linda Rivenbark11 months ago

    Thank you so much for sharing this masterpiece of gratitude with all of us. It touched my heart and mind beyond description. Reading it calmed my distraught mind in the midst of a trying day. I am grateful for you and."now our minds are one".

  • Awesome Article ✨💯Congratulations on your Top Story❗

  • Candace 11 months ago

    This is amazing!! Congratulations on top story this is very deserving!!

  • Dana Stewart11 months ago

    Wow! Great read, I learned so much. I’ll have to revisit this one over and over! Your husband’s photos are fantastic. Congratulations on Top Story!

  • Melissa Ingoldsby11 months ago

    What an absolutely stunning article full of culture and history! Amazing job! Congratulations 🎉 top story!

  • Cathy holmes11 months ago

    This is beautiful, and so important. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on the TS.

  • ARC11 months ago

    YES!! This absolutely should be TS for Earth Day!! Can’t think of a better way to celebrate our collective Mother. Happy Earth Day, Kristen and congrats on a beyond well-deserved TS!!

  • C. H. Richard11 months ago

    Wow! Tears in my eyes. Thank you for writing and sharing ♥️ Love the pictures too. We have so much to be grateful for everyday ❤️ I am going to order the books too. Love the idea of the pocket size.

  • Wonderful article, and congratulations on your Top Story

  • In Western Christian tradition there is such an emphasis on repentance & a pretty consistently utilitarian view of the world around us. I whole-heartedly agree with Oren--first, if we'd only take the time to listen instead of immediately insisting on & imposing our own way, we might not be in this current mess; & second, if we would accept that our first responsibility is one of thanksgiving, we just might not require so much repentance. I absolutely love this. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

  • ARC11 months ago

    Kristen, this prayer just improved my life. Thank You for sharing it with us, with me. This is so meaningful and I will be returning to this article to sink deeper into this. There is so much here to unpack... so much to absorb... and overflow. Thank You for sharing this important work of gratitude and unifying alignment. ✨

  • A. Lenae11 months ago

    Wow, what a special experience it was to read this and be introduced to such an intentional practice of joining ourselves with the life forces around us. I have been intending to read Braiding Sweetgrass for some time, and now I have two books I'm excited to explore. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written and respectful piece.

  • Dana Crandell11 months ago

    Kristen, I am deeply honored to have my photos, along with David's awesome work, included with this wonderful piece. We didn't discuss this, but my family also has very deep Native American roots and I have been fortunate enough participate in drumming and the honoring of the Four Winds. As always, I'm blown away by your eloquent, expressive writing and I love that you've included the Native versions of the excerpts. In the language of my ancestors, NVWADOHIYADV, WADO. (Cherokee: Peace and Thank you!)

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