Land and Identity

I feel that I have a deep understanding of the ideas described in this analysis of the American Indian's connection to the land. The culture that once dominated this continent was one with the land. European culture has traditionally taken from the land and built on top of it. I hold a deep reverence for the American Indian's respect for the Earth and their beliefs toward moderation and hunting. They understand that although man and animal deserve life, man must eat animal to survive. And thus it must be. This way of thinking develops a personal connection with the other inhabitants of the land. Because the American Indian did not build cities. They lived among the land with the other animals. The fact that they used natural landmarks as territorial boundaries also affirms their relation to the land.

The spirituality of this culture interests me in that it is so different from eastern religion, and that the many widespread tribes each have their own variations in belief.