Native American Values
It is difficult to generalize all values for Native American culture because there are
hundreds of different tribes or cultural groups which compose what we call "Native
Americans." "Native Americans were highly diverse in language, rituals, religious customs,
history, architecture, government, social organization, and in the daily tasks of making
clothes, producing food, and building shelters." Despite the many differences, there are
some values, which are common for all groups.
I. Strong respect for the land.
Native Americans felt a strong tie to the earth. They did not think of the land and
natural resources as commodities to be used endlessly for profit. Instead, they took
from the land only what was needed and gave back to the land what they could.
They believed if they were good to the land it would be good to them in return11.
II. Earth as Mother
Native Americans saw the earth as mother. Their "mother" gave them
life, gave them all they needed to survive, and in return they treated her with
respect.
III. Importance of the Circle
A common symbol for Native Americans was the circle. They had an
awareness for the circular nature of life ( e.g. life cycle, seasonal cycle.) Most
ceremonies were held in circles.
IV. Communal Property
Native Americans did not have private ownership of land. They used whatever
part of the land they needed as a community. When that land was no longer useful
due to such things as weather conditions, they moved on, returning later. They did
not have individual plots of land fenced off.
V. Afterlife as "Happy Hunting Ground"
Native Americans did not have a concept of hell. After death all souls moved on to a
"Great Country of Souls." This is in sharp contrast to the Puritans.