The True Nature of Thanksgiving

“The Words That Come Before All Else.”
Giving thanks is the foundation of Iroquois spirituality. From Dance for All People - "The Thanksgiving Address (the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen) is the central prayer and invocation for the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations — Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora). It reflects their relationship of giving thanks for life and the world around them. The Haudenosaunee open and close every social and religious meeting with the Thanksgiving Address." 

Here is a selection of videos, showing Iroquois views on the true meaning of thanks-giving and their Thanksgiving Address.

Mike Tarbell of The Iroquois Museum, speaks of Native American Spirituality He encourages you to go seek answers for your problems. One of the ways is to get out in nature... be still and listen...

From the video --

“When we wake in the morning we give thanks to the creation; 
Tonight before i go to sleep i will give thanks again, and i will give thanks to all the creation; 
And tonight i will include the children; 
You can’t become an Indian, but you can have the heart of an Indian; 
by listening to your heart and listening to what is all around you, you’ll become a better person; 
a spirituality — an awareness that you’re a part of everything out here.” (Mike Tarbell)

Other videos: 

Whatweni⋅neh - Frieda Jacques, Turtle Clan Kateri - Riley Thornton, Snipe Clan This video, filmed on location at the Onondaga Nation School in Onondaga Nation, focuses on the purpose and uses of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. Representatives from the Onondaga Nation talk about the history of the Address and how the Address changes depending on who is saying it.

I wanted to share this prayer today, on Earth Day, to honor all of the beautiful abundance that gives us life.

Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address - Greetings to the Natural World

Kanienkehaka Kaianerehkowa Kanonhsesne - People of the Way of the Longhouse Akwesasne Men's Council.