In the Presence of Wisdom: Voices of the Land
Taken from the foreword of Voices of the Land, 1993. When the Elders met at the gathering “The Voice of
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In the heart of the Halton Region, a profound teaching, the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, sets the stage for transformative understanding. This treaty, forged between the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy prior to European contact, offers invaluable insights into the essence of harmonious coexistence and stewardship of the land.
A Treaty Rooted in Survival:
The Dish with One Spoon Wampum is a treaty (agreement/promise) that predates European contact. It serves as a testament to the wisdom of Indigenous nations who recognized the necessity of shared and peaceful hunting grounds. In a world where sustenance was derived from the bounties of the land, having open and harmonious access to these resources was essential for the survival of all people.
One Land, One Dish:
The central teachings of this agreement are eloquent in their simplicity and profundity: the land is one dish that provides for us all. It emphasizes that we must lead healthy lives, understanding that the health of the land directly influences our own well-being. Nation leaders are invited to partake from this common dish, sharing a single spoon, and taking only what is needed.
Inherent Responsibilities:
At the heart of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum lies the principle of shared responsibility. It reminds us that as stewards of the land, we share a duty to maintain it in a way that ensures there will always be something left for others and for future generations. The purple design at the center of the wampum, symbolizing ‘Sharing and Respect,’ encompasses the essence of this teaching. It is a reminder that we must take no more than what we need, and always be mindful of the needs of others.
A Universal Message:
The Dish with One Spoon teaching transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the shared responsibility of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. It serves as a timeless reminder that the land’s resources are finite, and our actions should be governed by the principles of respect, mindfulness, and sustainability.
In a world that often emphasizes consumption and individual gain, the wisdom of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum is a guiding light, inspiring us to consider the well-being of all, to take no more than what we require, and to cherish the bounties of the land as a shared heritage. This profound teaching resonates as a call to unity, respect, and stewardship of the land, inspiring us to protect and preserve the one dish that nourishes us all.
Sources: https://futurecitiescanada.ca/portal/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/fcc-civic-indigenous-tool3-teaching-twodishonespoon.pdf https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/a-dish-with-one-spoon
Environmental Scan of Urban Indigenous Services
Taken from the foreword of Voices of the Land, 1993. When the Elders met at the gathering “The Voice of
Adapted from Association of Friends, August 1995 Art, a lifelong resident of Birch Island, exemplifies commitment and community engagement. Married to
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