A few drinks from the well of First People wisdom[1]. Reflections in the still waters reveal memories long hidden. Yet they linger. The north wind whispers, “What awaits?"

Children were encouraged to develop strict discipline and a high regard for sharing. When a girl picked her first berries and dug her first roots, they were given away to an elder so she would share her future success.
—Mourning Dove, of the Salish

I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.
—Lone Man, of the Teton Sioux

I am going to venture that the man who sat on the ground in his tipi meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures, and acknowledging unity with the universe of things was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization.
—Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux chief

We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that he never forgets; that hereafter he will give every man a spirit-home according to his desserts. This I believe and all my people believe the same.
—Joseph, Nez Percé chief

I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of a nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.
—Red Cloud, Sioux chief

The sound is fading away
It is of five sounds
Freedom
The sound is fading away
It is of five sounds

—song of the Chippewa people


With peace and love to all, Happy Thanksgiving.

Image: Oglala girl and puppy in front of a tipi (in public domain in the United States)[2]
Quotes compiled by Edward S. Curtis[3] and found in Native American Wisdom (Miniature Editions) by Running Press

[1] See: http://www.firstpeople.us/

[2] See: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oglala_girl_in_front_of_a_tipi2.jpg

[3] See: http://curtis.library.northwestern.edu/