Thanksgiving: 'Now Our Minds Are One'

Nov 25, 2022

A Native American Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World

An excerpt from a traditional Haudenosaunee tribute to humankind, the earth and the heavens, and the abundance of the fields, plants, animals, forests, winds, and waters.

The Trees

We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds–from the smallest to the largest–we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

Travelling the Erie Canal (New York Public Library)

About the authors

Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World English version is by John Stokes and Kanawahienton (David Benedict, Turtle Clan/Mohawk). Mohawk version: Rokwaho (Dan Thompson, Wolf Clan/Mohawk). Original inspiration: Tekaronianekon (Jake Swamp, Wolf Clan/Mohawk). This translation of the Mohawk version of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address was published in 1993, courtesy of Six Nations Indian Museum and the Tracking Project.

You can read the full address here:

https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/rethinking-thanksgiving

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