In contemporary times, the convergence of ancestral environmental teachings and revitalized indigenous practices holds profound significance in preserving and adapting knowledge systems to safeguard the natural world within native communities. This year we use the book Spirit & Reason: The Vine Deloria, Jr., Reader published in 1999 to help us examine how we honor and protect the natural world.  The teachings ingrained through ancestral environmental teachings provide an intricate understanding of the world and foster confidence in navigating it, “today we see a great revival of traditional practices in many tribes. These restorations are important symbols of a sense of community, but they must be accompanied by hard and clear thinking that can distinguish what is valuable in the world ways from the behavior we are expected to practice as members of the larger American society” (Deloria 1999, 143). This foundational knowledge equips individuals with a sense of self-assurance, enabling them to partake in actions with conviction. As Deloria states, “traditional education gives us an orientation to the world around us, particularly the people around us so that we know who we are and have confidence when we do things” (Deloria 1999, 143); the present resurgence of traditional customs among younger generations within various tribes signifies a pivotal shift towards embracing ancestral crafts, songs, dances, and religious ceremonies. 

These revitalizations symbolize the revival of community bonds and heritage but necessitate a deliberate emphasis on critical thinking. It becomes paramount to discern the intrinsic value embedded in traditional ways amidst the societal norms and expectations imposed by the larger American context.  By intertwining education, traditional practices, and astute discernment, these communities can navigate the complexities of the modern world while preserving and adapting invaluable indigenous knowledge systems in service of safeguarding the natural world.

Deloria, V. Jr. (1999). Spirit & Reason: The Vine Deloria Jr. Reader. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing.