On the Great Spirit and Nature: American First Nation Songs and Chants, Part 1 of 2

The North American First Nation peoples have lived on the land for tens of thousands of years. Although each nation’s culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs are unique, a unifying characteristic of North American First Nation peoples’ religion is their deep love, reverence, and gratitude to the Great Spirit, Mother Earth, and the Universe. They are taught that the Great Spirit created everything and provides all our needs. Mother Earth, the waters, and the Sun are living beings, the animal-people are our relatives, and there is kinship between all things. Thus, living simply, with humility and respect for nature, together with all living beings, is an important concept. “All of nature is in us, all of us is in nature.”

Today we are honored to share selections from the book “The Path on the Rainbow: An Anthology of Songs and Chants from the Indians of North America,” edited by George W. Cronyn.

“Great Spirit who puts us to sleep in darkness, We thank Thee for the silences of darkness. Now I ask blessing and make prayers. […]

(To the Thunder Spirit) […] Love us with all power Beyond all treasures Or spreading of words through the air! All men traveling under great Heaven You have invited, your grandchildren and all nations; Oh, you, maker of noise, You, the great Thunderer! Your grandchildren wish to thank you!

[…] [Great Spirit], the All-maker, Above-all-high Best Friend of people! We ask you to help us! We implore your favor! […]”