Acclaimed author Basil Johnson shares words of wisdom regarding traditional native values and asks each of us to take the following vow:
”We must honor our women, our grandmothers, our wives, our sisters, and all others.”
“FIRST PHILOSOPHY- TO THE WOMAN
The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. She has been given by natural laws the ability to reproduce life. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. Never was it our way to harm her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. We always treated our women with respect and understanding. So from now on, I vow:
- I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave the women the responsibility for bring new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon the woman in a sacred manner.
- In our traditional ways, the woman is the foundation of the family. I will work with her to create a home atmosphere of respect, security, and harmony.
- I will refrain from any form of emotional or physical abuse. If I have these feelings, I will talk to the Creator for guidance.
- I will treat all women as if they were my own female relatives.
- This is my vow.
Excerpted from “The Path of Life” Ojibway Heritage by Basil Johnston
Please visit https://www.ndshelter.org/native-american-resources.html to read Mr. Johnston’s six other philosophies or click the link below to locate the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Ojibway-Heritage-Basil-Johnston/dp/0803275722
Women deserve honor and respect.
Haven Advocates are here to help!
