TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

In 1854 a leader of the Suwamish known as Seattle made a speech asking the Americans to respect the environment and the native peoples. At least several versions of the speech have been attributed to him. He spoke in his native language, which was translated into the trade language known as Chinook Jargon and then into English. Years later a version was released based on notes taken at the time.

This is a poetic version of the speech he is supposed to have given. It still reads very well.

Teach your children

what we have taught our children--

that the earth is our mother. 

Whatever befalls the earth

befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.

If men spit upon the ground

they spit upon themselves.

This we know.

The earth does not belong to us;

we belong to the earth.

This we know.

All things are connected

like the blood that which unites one family.

All things are connected.

Whatever befalls the earth

befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.

We did not weave the web of life;

We are merely a strand in it.

Whatever we do to the web

We do to ourselves.

Chief Seattle from American Indian Healing Arts