My first example is from the White Mountain Apache tribe in Arizona. To the Apache people, lands are not just private properties that are bought and sold. Land to the Apache hold a great deal of influence. The land also is the greatest tie the modern Apache have with their ancestors. Throughout the Wisdom Sits in Places reading, one can learn how the Apache uses land names to tell stories, teach lessons, and acts as life’s guide to live the Apache way.
The Apache people revere their land. The book gives examples how the Apache people are held accountable through their …show more content…
To the Sioux, Lakota, and other Native Americans living on the reservation, the land is not just simply dirt and gravel. To the Sioux, Lakota, and numerous other Native people, the land is sacred. Standing Rock is not only significant for religious purposes, but also for the symbol it stands for. Standing Rock also symbolizes the centuries old protest the Sioux Nation has had with the Federal and State government of Dakota. Standing Rock is the modern symbol and history of the Sioux Nation. Especially after the DAPL was halted, Standing Rock will continue to be immortalized for the Native Americans and now also for non-Natives as a land where the people’s voice was heard.
To tell the Native Americans living in Standing Rock to “just leave” is to reenforce the old saying, “Kill the Indian, save the man.” Telling the Natives to leave behind their homeland to assimilate into the country of the invaders is illogical and outrageous. To the Native Americans, the land not only holds their history, culture, tradition, and religious, but is the only thing they have left.
Through the four examples I have shown you the importance of land to Native Americans and why they cannot “just leave.” To the Apache, the land represents a guide to life. To the Cheyenne, the land solidifies their origin story and allows them to perform the Sun Dance. To the Micmac, the land is their provider. To the Sioux, the land is their