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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 17 December 2010 |
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Native Perspective
Wed, Dec 15th 2010
by Chief Don Stevens
 As I sat under the great oak tree, the forest seemed to come alive with the birth of a new morn. The warm rays of dawn gently touched my skin through the brisk winter air causing steam to rise slowly skyward. It was deer season and I had left early in the hopes that I would be blessed with the sight of the elusive northern whitetail.
I slowly closed my eyes and listened to the birds waking from their sleep and wondered what joyous news they were singing to each other. There is nothing more joyful then watching a chickadee bouncing from branch to branch just a few inches from you while you sit perfectly still. I could also hear the rustling of the squirrels off in the distance as they playfully ran through the glistening morning snow tending to their daily chores. Your ears tuned in, just hoping that the next sound you heard would be the footsteps of your quarry. The forest provides such wonderful sounds and smells that are foreign to most urban dwellers that do not experience nature in its purest form.
Hunting to me is not just about bringing home the trophies of a successful hunt. It is a time that I can leave the modern technical world behind and reconnect with my inner spirit. The quiet solitude of the forest brings peace to my soul. The time spent alone allows me to stop and really enjoy the simplest things in life. Nature has no need for stress, money, or bills.
My ancestors had to hunt to sustain their lives throughout the winter. We are very fortunate to live in an age where most of our food and clothes are readily available to most of us. The Abenaki people have a tradition that we celebrate around mid-winter time. Euro-Americans would consider it an Indian Christmas. We gather each year with all the members of the tribe and lay out a blanket to put items on. Members of the tribe who have extra items (whether it is food, clothes, or other items) contribute to the blanket. Everyone, including those who could not contribute, is allowed to take one item on the blanket that they may need. This tradition is a gift of giving to help our families but still allowed individuals to keep their dignity by not asking for things needed. Those who were not successful in their fall hunts are able to eat throughout the winter. We also share blankets to keep each other warm and helped those who may be cold. This is how our ancestors were able to survive as a group through hard times.
So as I sit under that great oak tree and reflect on the struggles of life that many of our relatives endured, I also reflect on the struggles that our friends and neighbors are facing today. With many people out of work and those struggling to feed their families or to keep warm, I ask that you take time to reflect on your own blessings. Maybe you could forgo one gift this year to feed a family who has no food. Maybe you could give a blanket or fuel to an elderly person so they do not freeze this winter. No matter how many struggles I may endure, I always continue the Abenaki tradition of giving. On the tribal level, we have started a food shelf in the Northeast Kingdom where we can feed and service the poorest part of the state.
No matter where you live, please take the time to help just one person this year and maybe it will become a tradition for you as well. My wish for you during this holiday season is to find that special place that gives you time to reflect and allows you to reconnect with your inner spirit.
http://www.shelburnenews.com/news/article/current/2010/12/17/101072/native-perspective
http://nulhegan.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/native-perspective-by-chief-don-stevens/ |
