Giving Thanks

November is Native American History Month. As such, I spend the month focusing on Native American History, Music, and Culture with my 3^rd-5^th grade students. At the end of the unit, we read “Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message” and talk about specific things for which we are grateful. Afterwards, we make a word cloud of thanksgiving for our classroom teachers. The word clouds mean so much.

 

The text of “Giving Thanks” has been adapted from Mohawk tradition. It is very descriptive, beautifully written, and full of thanks. It reads:

 

To be a human being is an honor, and we offer thanksgiving for all the gifts of life.

Mother Earth, we thank you for giving us everything we need.

Thank you, deep blue waters around Mother Earth, for you are the force that takes thirst away from all living things.

We give thanks to green grasses that feel so good against our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth’s floor.

Thank you, good foods from Mother Earth, our life sustainers, for making us happy when we are hungry.

Fruits and berries, we thank you for your color and sweetness.

We are thankful to good medicine herbs, for healing us when we are sick.

Thank you, all the animals in the world, for keeping our precious forests clean.

All the trees in the world, we are thankful for the shade and warmth you give us.

Thank you, all the birds in the world, for singing your beautiful songs for all to enjoy.

We give thanks to you, gentle Four Winds, for bringing clean air for us to breathe from the four directions.

Thank you, Grandmother Thunder Beings, for bringing rains to help all living things grow.

Elder Brother Sun, we send thanks for shining your light and warming Mother Earth.

Thank you, Grandmother Moon, for growing full every month to light the darkness for children and sparkling waters.

We give you thanks, twinkling stars, for making the night sky so beautiful and for sprinkling morning dew drops on the plants.

Spirit Protectors of our past and present, we thank you for showing us ways to live in peace and harmony with one another.

And most of all, thank you, Great Spirit, for giving us all these wonderful gifts, so we will be happy and healthy every day and every night.

 

--Chief Jake Swamp, Mohawk Nation

 

In Mohawk tradition, children are taught this thanksgiving. In so learning, they are taught to greet the world each morning by saying thank you to all living things. Can you imagine how much different this world would be if we did the same?

 

Dear God: You are the Creator of Mother Earth. You have entrusted her to our care and you have granted us the benefits of all her beauty. During this season of thanksgiving, may we truly be grateful for every good gift and may our gratefulness turn to being good stewards of all you have given. Thank you. Amen.