The night is peaceful; he studies the sky full of brightly shining stars. The air is clean; he takes in full deep breaths. Listening intently to the singing crickets and the wolves howling in the background, the Native American elder lights the fire to prepare for this evening’s tales. This is when their culture is passed down from one generation to the next. Although painful, the elders also share the history of their people. This dedication will keep the Indian nation strong.

As the children gather around the fire, they anticipate the stories. It is understood they will learn more about their connection with the earth. For example, the Navajo children believe that every part of nature is related to them like family. It is an interesting perspective. The children are told that the earth is like their mother, with the plants and animals being her clothes. This is where they get their food, medicine, and knowledge (Hucko 4).
The fact that the land and man are so intertwined is best explained by the Apache leader, Geronimo. He describes their creator by saying:
“For each tribe of men Usen created, He also made a home. In the land for any particular tribe, He placed whatever would be best for the welfare of that tribe… thus it was in the beginning: the apaches and their homes each created for the other by Usen Himself. When they are taken from these homes, they sicken and die” (Topic).
This explains the continuous worshipping of the sun and sky by the Native Americans. The children are taught to worship many gods in thanks for many blessings. Sitting out by the fire is a very spiritual experience.

Their love of the land is made evident by the beautifully descriptive way they talk about their home. In the book “A Rainbow at Night”, children paint loving pictures. The landscape is expressed with the use of colors such as, “bright orange cliffs” and “deep purple shadows.” They go on to say that “brightly colored flowers cover the ground” and “the desert sky is often clear blue.” Their use of the palette brings a vivid picture to the imagination (Hucko 8).

The respect for the earth is so deep that it is given lifelike qualities. The Native American’s have a spiritual connection with each of the seasons. Chief Sitting Bull says, “Behold, my brothers, the spring has come, the earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love!” (Philip 20). When the earth provides for the people, it is looked upon as proof of that love. The warmth of the sun is like the warm embrace of love. It is the love they feel in return that keeps them caring for the land and using only what is necessary.

Although generally peaceful at heart, the Native Americans share responsibility with the white man in their loss of land. Chief Seattle paints a descriptive picture when he says:
“There was a time when our people covered the whole land, as the waves of a windruffled sea cover its shell paved floor. But that time has long since passed away with the greatness of the tribes now almost forgotten. I will not mourn over our untimely decay, nor reproach my pale-faced brothers for hastening it, for we, too, may have been somewhat to blame” (Smith 3). The children sit beneath the stars and learn of the epidemics and wars that led to the decay of a culture. With so many challenges, it became more important that the elders explain the necessity of carrying on a culture steeped in tradition.

The connections experienced between human and nature forms a strong basis of the Native American culture. They are people who spend time deep in thought and in prayer to their many gods. Rivers, mountain tops, and wide open ranges inspire them and they live together in unity. Native American’s consider the earth family. Although they have lost much land, they manage to teach the future generations to respect what they still have and use it wisely.

Years later, after the boys have grown to men, they will think back to the nights by the fire. Memories will form of the deep sense of pride in their grandfathers’ voices. It will be their turn. They too, will walk out on a peaceful evening and study the sky full of brightly shining stars. The air will be clean as they take in deep, full breaths. The sounds of the singing crickets and the howling of the wolves will bring them back to a day, long ago, beside a fire. It will be their turn to pass on the legends and the love. It will be time to do their part in keeping the proud, spiritual culture alive.