Although an exact date is unknown, the Native American people have inhabited this continent for thousands of years. Research shows that they arrived as modern man, not primitive. They were skilled in survival and well developed socially and in language (The Native American). It is apparent in the readings I have gathered, that the Native Americans are rich in tradition, deeply spiritual, honorable, and have a profound respect for culture, people, and the land. It is of utmost importance that their lifestyle is passed on to future generations. The sharing of folklore and legends by the Grandparents is a high priority.

“My friend, I am old, but I shall never die. I shall always live in my children, and children’s children” (Corn).

It is believed that upon first arriving in this country, the Native Americans searched for their food. The culture evolved from forager to farmer. These first Americans are extremely respectful of animals, which is depicted in Chief Seattle’s quote in the book, Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, “The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers” (Chief). It is understood that animals are necessary to feed the families. They are careful not to waste, they kill only what they can immediately use.

The respect they exhibit for the land is of equal importance. Oneness with the earth is evident in the Native American culture. The spiritual connection with the land continues to be portrayed by the tribal elders. It is the desire of these leaders to pass on that reverence to future generations. In sharing, Chief Seattle says, “We are part of the earth and it is a part of us” (Chief).

The history of this proud culture is passed down through “origin myths.” Legends deal with the philosophical questions such as “Who are we? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life and death?” (The Native American). The elders would gather the children to share the same tales they heard as a child. In the winter, stories are shared around the warm glow of a campfire (A Rainbow). Many tribes believe that women held a part in the earth’s creation. There is a common theme of a woman falling from the skies or being pulled out of the earth. In different tales, she is helped by a bird or fish. In many of the legends, it is the teamwork between these creatures of nature and the woman, showing the important role nature plays in the Native American culture (Native).

Many hours were spent under the starry, night sky sharing stories that explain the wonders of the world. There are tales of how the spider got his thread, why ants live everywhere, and why some trees are evergreen. Children would listen with wide-eyed fascination as they were told that the spider was here on earth at the beginning of time. He was not sure how to get his food so he asked the Creator. The Creator suggested he work with the string for a little bit. The spider kept putting the string in his mouth… more and more, swallowing it. When he was finished working, he asked how to get down from the sky where he had been working. He was told there was no way down so he used the string to get back to the ground. To this day, the spider still uses the string to make webs and catch flies (Leach).

All aspects of life are a relation between animals and the universe. Like the creation of mankind, animals were also associated with the creation of medicine. Native Americans take a more holistic approach to healing with the use of herbs. It is told that the herbal remedies were discovered after an old chief chose to punish a lack of respect by his tribesmen toward animals, with ailments such as rheumatism. If they did not ask forgiveness before shooting an animal, they would be stricken by a painful ailment. The plants of the area were “friendly”. They heard about the afflictions and assigned each form of plant life to be a cure for a specific disease. To this day, the medicine man incorporates plants into his healing practices (The Original). The elders hope to see the knowledge of the medicine man carried down.

Women also practice medicine. In the book Apache Children and Elders Talk Together, generations of an Apache family are interviewed. The Grandmother, Meredith, is a medicine woman. She says her work is a big part of her life. The older people interviewed in the book are determined to pass down the Apache traditions. The tribe members who practice medicine, help to prepare the girls for womanhood and the boys for manhood. Ellyn, a Grandmother of a medicine woman, understands it is important to teach the youngsters “to keep it alive and strong” (Kavasch).

One of the greatest fears for the elder Native American is the loss of tradition. With the world becoming modernized, it is easy to fall out of step with a culture that is so reliant on the land. This has become a source of contention between the generations. The elders express a deep desire for tradition and the young people want to move forward with the world. This passage conveys the struggle:

Grandfather, I want my Pepsi, Levi’s, and Porsche too.
I want to go where the others go,
And see the things they see too.
I don’t have time to dance in the old way, Grandfather.

Grandfather?

Grandfather, why are you crying?
Grandfather, why are you crying?
Grandfather, please stop crying.
Grandfather, don’t you know me?
(Whitedog)

The more I read about this honorable culture, the more respect I have for them. They have defined priorities which include family, traditions, and living off the land in a respectful manner. My prayers are with them that the generations to come will realize the importance of carrying on their culture. With cultures becoming watered down in the melting pot we call America, it is touching to see a society so determined to maintain theirs.