Our Story: Aboriginal Voices on Canada's Past Read Online Free PDF Page B

on this land, the gift of speech, and the responsibility to give thanks, and that therefore things like aboriginal rights, tax exemptions, college tuition, and free prescriptions did not come from the Creator.
    It tells us that the many social, economic, and political problems we now face are a distant second in importance to the overriding imperative that we honour our obligations stemming from the time of Creation.
    Clearly, the Creation Story is more than just a story. We take its teachings to be the guiding light in how we conduct our lives. We honour our obligations, every day, all across Iroquoia, from Quebec to Wisconsin. In most of our schools and in every gathering of
onkwehón:we
, someone will stand and recite, in the Creator’s language, the Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen—the words that come before all others. Known as the Opening Address or the Thanksgiving Address, this ritual gives thanks for all the blessings of Creation.
    A short version may be just a few dozen words. A long, formal version may last forty-five minutes. But no matter who recites it and which language he uses (the speaker is traditionally a man), all of the speeches follow the same general pattern.
    â€œÃ“:nen sewatahonhsí:yohst kentyóhkwa,” the speaker will begin. “Listen well, everyone who is now here assembled.
    â€œIt is my duty to recite the words of thanksgiving that come before all others. It is Shonkwaya’tíson’s intention that whenever we gather together, we give thanks for all the blessings of Creation as our first order of business.
    â€œSo first of all, let us put our minds together as one and give greetings to all the peoples of the earth. And let us give thanks for all the peoples here gathered, that we have all arrived here safely, that we are all at peace and of a good mind. Let us remember those who could not be here because they are sick, and let us pray that they quickly regain their health. Let us remember as well and thank those who help us to keep our language and traditions alive.
    â€œE’tho niyohtónhak nonkwa’nikon:ra,” the speaker will then say. “So let all of our minds come together as one on this matter.” When the speaker finishes expressing this hope, the men in the crowd will respond on cue with a chorus of “Nyeah!” signifying that they are in agreement with what has just been said.
    â€œAnd now let us give thanks to our mother the earth,” the speaker will continue, “for all the blessings that she continues to provide for us. And let us give thanks to her for supporting our feet so lovingly as we walk about on the earth.
    â€œE’tho niyohtónhak nonkwa’nikòn:ra,” the speaker will add. “Nyeah!” the men will respond.
    The speaker will then give similarly detailed thanks to all the elements of creation, beginning with the earth and reaching to the stars. He will give thanks to all the waters of the earth; the fish life that inhabits them; the insects; the medicine plants; the fruits, especially the strawberries; the food plants, especially corn, beans, and squash; the animals, especially the deer; the trees, especially the maple; the birds, especially the eagle; the four winds; the thunderers that bring the rains; the sun; the moon; the stars; Handsome Lake; and four special sky-beings who watch over human beings on earth.
    Lastly, the speaker will tell the people to turn their faces to the sky-world where the Creator resides. “Let us put together our kindest and most loving words,” he will say, “and throw them skyward to give Him our thanks for everything He has provided for us on this earth.
    â€œE’tho niyohtónhak nonkwa’nikon:ra,” he will add. “Nyeah!” the men will respond.
    Only when this sometimes lengthy ritual is finished can a meeting, or anything else, be started. And at the end of the meeting, before everyone goes home, a man will stand up