You Own the Land?

 You Own the Land?

In solidarity with our Native American brothers and sisters, who have lived on the Land for many generations…

The Great Spirit gave the Land to all: the Trees, the Flowers, the Herbs, the Bear, the Deer, the Birds, the Animals of every kind, and the People. We thank the Spirit for sharing the bounty of the Land. We thank the Spirit for the Rain and Snow that replenishes the Waters. We thank the Spirit in all of Nature for giving us the new spring shoots, for the Rain that quenches their thirst and ours, for the Fish of the Waters, for the Fruits of the Trees, for the Animals that walk with us, and the Birds that fly. Yes, we harvest the Deer, the Turkey, and the Fruits of the Land, but not before bowing to the Spirit within them for sharing their life with us. We take from the Land only what we need, and give back in return. Being thankful and careful with our use of the Land, the Deer, the Birds, the Fish see this and return to share themselves with us. We have done so for many generations. The Land nurtures us, and we nurture the Land. We come from the Land, and are a part of it. If we damage the Land, we damage ourselves. Tell us what you mean when you say you own the land, and can do with it what you want.

—Sacred Land Gathering, October 16, 2022, Kohler-Andrae State Park

    Leaders: Potawatomi-Miami Elder Mishiikenh

                   Leader of Wild Church Network Eric Anglada

                   Song Leader Brenna Cussen Anglada