Content area
Abstract
According to the traditional teachings of the Haudenosaunee People, the Creator gave each member of the natural world a particular responsibility to fulfill in order to maintain balance and harmony in the universe. Humans were given the important responsibility to nurture a respectful relationship with our family of Creation, and ensure that the cycles of life continue. However, many people have lost their connection to the natural world and no longer know how to fulfill their responsibilities in our world today. Humans are making it very difficult for other species to carry out their duties.
Indigenous and non-indigenous Peoples have much to learn from each other in the important task of renewing balance and harmony in the natural world. When working together, Western science and Indigenous science can form a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the world. Greater collaboration and respect is required on this front if we are ever to achieve meaningful solutions. However, in the last five centuries, Indigenous Peoples have experienced the imposition of foreign approaches and values in our communities, and significant disruptions in our traditional frameworks. The Mohawk community of Kahnawake is currently rediscovering, re-examining, strengthening, and revitalizing our own traditional frameworks for re-implementation into our daily lives and community operations. As part of this important movement, this research attempts to address the essential question: How can Indigenous principles and frameworks be used as a basis for the active fulfillment of our responsibilities to the natural world?
The framework of the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen, our traditional Thanksgiving address, is used as the base for this research. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
