By Brian Frisina aka Raven Redbone
One way we can address our climate issues is that we all have a responsibility. Every tribe has their own way and they need to return to spiritual ways to save the earth, the air and the water. Western culture needs to learn humility, to learn to share and to take responsibility. Western culture is killing all of us.
– Albert White Hat, Sr., Rosebud Sioux
In this time of what the Elders are calling great Earth changes, I myself am grateful to be alive today and helping our society “come home” to the Earth. Tribal Peoples from every corner of Mother Earth are calling for us to unite, work together in creating a more sustainable way to live on Mother Earth. To me it’s about how we walk on Mother Earth. We as human beings need to acknowledge the Tribal ways and bring it back into our lives. The Tribal way is one of prayer through the offering of sacred tobacco, gathering together, offering prayers of love and gratitude for Mother Earth and all she provides for us to live. It is about interacting with life, not just sitting there but participating in life. In this way we express our being, thinking, seeing, and share our journey on Mother Earth. Prayer is the heart of the “Tribal Way.” Prayer is the exchange of energies that flows between all life and the Creator. Through our prayers it honors our sacredness with gratitude and love for all Mother Earth. First we need to take time and touch the Earth, really touch her. Feel her aliveness. Know we are a smaller version of our Mother Earth. When we do this we see that we are a part of the Mother Earth. In the old way this was, and is, an understood reality. They lived on Mother Earth taking only what they needed and giving back more.
Mother Earth is the source of all life, not a resource
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
Why do the tribal people live in harmony with all things around them? It is about choice. The choices to understand we are relatives we are all one. We are coming into a whole new paradigm, one in which conscious choices and sustainable choices are made by everyone. It is up to you. Those of you who continue to rape, pillage and plunder our Mother Earth will enter into another realm, no death just changing of a world. New worlds of greener perspectives are opening up for each and every one of you. Together we will create the world of living with Mother Earth, in harmony as our ancestors did before us. Tribal Peoples expressed their relationship and love for the ancient waters through dance, song, and ceremony.
One of the major concerns with the Tribes that should concern us all is our ancient waterways. Living in the Northwest this is a major concern. The Salish Sea has many problems with pollution. There are toxic chemicals that are continuing to be dumped and poured into the Sea. Looking at it from a distance it looks great and beautiful. Yes she is beautiful, but there is so much that is happening beneath the water. Salish Sea after it rains contains oil, grease, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and many other things that can do harm to the Sea and the many forms of life she sustains. The toxins are killing the shellfish and vegetation. Today with the growing population we are concerned with the dumping and use of chemicals on yards, flowers, hygiene products of which goes into our watersheds. We need to use products that are safe to use on our lawns. We need to also realize that what we are putting on our bodies puts all of us at risk, and our Mother Earth. Parabens can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. It is all about choice. We can choose to continue to use harmful items or start using items that contribute to a cleaner, healthier world for us and our children.
It is time for us to look to Seven Generations ahead. Do you wish to leave your kids a beautiful earth, a living legacy of sustainability and walking gentle on Mother Earth? There is a way to live with earth and a way not… I choose the way to live with her! I am reminded as I write this that all things are possible. Coming home to the Tribal way we are seeing the return of the natural way at our Nisqually Refuge. There are species returning, water that is clean, and a Mother Earth who is happy. Let’s invest in our future. Rise up and show your love for Mother Earth.
Each of us is put here in this time and this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Did you think you were put here for something less?
– Chief Arvol Looking Horse
Brian M. Frisina, aka Raven Redbone, is from Olympia. He hosts a radio show at 5 pm Sundays on KAOS 89.3 and online at kaosradio.org. Contact him at ravenredbone@gmail.com or at http://www.ravenredbone.wordpress.com
Make No Bones About It 
