Wisdom of the Native Americans
Volume I: the Cherokee and Eastern Nations
1> these entries from: “Di Ka No Hi SGi-di Ga Weli SGi” (She Who Writes Her Philosophy on Paper) aka, Joyce Sequichie Hifler
March 21st> “When time passes and nothing seems to change, we are afraid we are caught in a whirlpool that takes us around and around and goes nowhere.
Within us is the power to move mountains. Frustration and confusion can glaze that power so that we become negative—but we are powerhouses and can break through. We are ‘Children of the Light’ and we cannot be held captive against our will.”
The Tsa-la-gi (Cherokee) does not desire to be involved in war– John Ross, Cherokee chief
April 23rd> “Consistent effort grooves the stone. The tortoise and the hare proved that in the fable about who winds and who loses. Another line or two could have been added to the fable: the tortoise saw flowers and other slow travelers. He rested and ate in nice places No one was there to rush him, so he arrived in the appointed place in good shape.
Time passes and things change. How much better to enjoy it along the way instead of running in all directions and having nothing to show for it in the end.”
Sometimes I look over the Big Missouri and I see our Indian village… the smoke curling upward…I hear the warriors yell and the laughter of little children…It is but an old woman’s dream.—Waheenee, Hidatsa tribe
April 25th> “There is something about a mental picture, if you get the right one, that can be so powerful that it changes a whole way of thinking. Part of a sentence or a few words spoken can be a catalyst for incredible change.
By chance, I glanced at the Book of Wisdom today and it said to “throw off all encumbrances.” What might seem impossible can be done—first in mind and spirit—then in the physical….”We can do it.” Those few words can make any of us an artist. We are given a beautiful mental image that we are definitely capable of bringing into being.”
Each man is good in the sight of the Great Spirit. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows. –Chief Seattle (Suquamish & Duwamish)
“When you begin a great work you can’t expect to finish it all at once; therefore do you and your brothers press on, and let nothing discourage you till you have ‘entirely finished what you have begun.’
Now, brothers, as for me, I assure you I will press on, and the contrary winds may blow strong in my face, yet I will go forward and never turn back. I will continue to press on until I have finished, and I would have you do the same.
Though you may hear contrary birds singing on this side or that, you must not take notice of that, but hear me when I speak to you, and take it to heart, for you may depend that what I say shall be true always. Teedyuscung
Delaware tribe
Ron