THE EARTH TREATY PROJECT
In the beginning, the Creator made the Earth. From her bounty, it was
instructed, would come all lifeforms, so it is natural for indigenous
people to call her Mother. It was also instructed that each lifeform
has a specific duty to perform in this world, and that their
performance of their duty affects all our living species.
Humans were instructed to look after Mother Earth. For this, we were
given the ability to Reason. Unfortunately, from time to time we
neglect to use Reason in our decisions, so Creator sends us reminders
to be faithful to our duty.
The Earth Treaty Project is one of those reminders.
We are polluting the air, water and earth at alarming rates. Millions
of species of lifeforms have been destroyed in rainforests, oceans,
mountains, and deserts. Humans are destroying ourselves in over a
hundred wars around the world.
Outrage over global abuse and destruction of our planet brought together
indigenous leaders, environmentalists, scientists, spiritual and
political leaders from all over the world. The Center for International
Cooperation (CIC) co-sponsored a 1989 conference in New South Wales,
Australia, aptly called EARTHWALK, which brought forth a vision of the
importance of making a Treaty - a pact with Mother Earth. It is hoped
this vision will help people rethink their relationship with the
environment.
Ann Cardemone, a participant at the Conference, shared her experiences
and the idea of The Earth Treaty with the Native American Cultural
Awareness Group (NACAG) in Syracuse, NY. It was natural for the group
to grasp the message. Our purpose is to help enlighten, sensitize,
educate, and inform the public to indigenous peoplesU concerns, culture
and heritage.
The message of The Earth Treaty does that and more.
The Earth Treaty is an agreement between people and Mother Earth. By
entering into this pact, we accept our responsibility to protect all
Mother EarthUs precious gifts from those who would do them further harm.
In workshops, we emphasize the seriousness of making a Treaty, and how
governments should live up to their part of the agreements, especially
with indigenous people in Canada and the United States. At these
workshops, people are spirited into action immediately when they hear
The Earth Treaty message. They realize how their actions today affect
the next seven generations. People learn to reason, and become of one
mind in pursuit of a common goal: the environment. In the process, they
are exposed to Native American culture, history and concerns.
ThereUs no process to enforce this Treaty, other than the agreement to
abide by its principles. It is a living document and, as such, any
person promising to adhere to its principles may sign on to it at any
time.
Our childrensU childrensU children, for seven generations, will thank us
for this agreement made in their behalf. We even left a line in the
Treaty for their signature. Hopefully, they will renew the pledge for
another seven generations.
We hope one day nations and governments will write their own Treaty or
sign other nationUs Treaty. ItUs an opportunity for people the world
overQof every culture, race, religion, faith, and creedQto come together
and be of one mind in pursuit of peace with Nature.
We encourage people to write their own Earth Treaty and establish a bond
with a particular lake, river, mountain, valley, or sacred place. Our
choice is Onondaga Lake, considered North AmericaUs most polluted lake.
Yet, like other waters, many lifeforms are still performing their sacred
duties, and we must maintain them.
On Dec. 30, 1990, NACAG and over 100 people became of one mind in a
Peace Treaty signing ceremony with Mother Earth on the Onondaga Lake
shore. In Feb. 1991, 175 young people at Phoenix Elementary School in
Phoenix, NY participated in a workshop and Treaty ceremony with the
rivers in their area: Seneca, Oswego and Oneida.
We will remember and cherish these moving and spiritual events forever,
especially in light of the fact that war broke out in the Middle East
and people the world over are debating how to establish peace again.
This event was a bright spot in an otherwise darkening world. NACAG
decided to share this special feeling with others.
Onondaga Lake is an appropriate place for NACAG to begin the message of
peace. Over 1000 years ago, peace was made among the Haudenosaunee (Six
Nations) in this same location. One who the people refer to as the
Peacemaker walked among warring nations, establishing peace as he went.
The first democracy and united nations the world had known was founded
because of his work.
At that time, Peacemaker uprooted a pine tree and had all weapons cast
into its cavern, where an underground stream swept them away. He
replanted the tree, and said the roots would stretch to the four corners
of the world. Anyone who sought peace could trace them to their source,
and seek shelter beneath its branches.
Today, Onondaga Lake, like many other lakes, rivers and waterways
throughout America, is a stark symbol of the corruption of the Great
Peace between nationsQthe peace once shared between humans and the
Earth.
The Earth Treaty Project is offered to schools, religious organizations,
environmental groups, and others. We encourage children to become
actively involved! We plan to carry this important message all over
North America and down into South America. Requests for information on
The Earth Treaty are coming in from around the country.
Completed Earth Treaties should be sent to CIC, who will forward them to
the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in preparation for the UN
Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) scheduled to convene
in Brazil in June 1991.
Of course, funding is needed, and, if you feel inspired by the message,
CIC, as a non-profit organization, can receive tax-deductible donations.
To support our group, you must specify that your donation is for the
Native American Cultural Awareness Group in upstate NY.
For more information, please write or call:
Center for International Cooperation, Box 488, Washington, Virginia
22747; 703-937-5219, or
Native American Cultural Awareness Group, 720 University Av. #114,
Syracuse, NY 13210; 315-476-8993.
Packets are available to assist interested organizers.
****
Earthwise Education Center has adopted The Earth Treaty as part of its
program, and urges all people to write and sign their own. We are also
committed to recognition and justice for North America's indigenous
peoples and nations.
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| David Yarrow (turtle) Econet:<jdmann> 315-675-8498 |
| Earthwise Education Center, P.O. Box 91, Camden, NY 13316 |
| "be earthwise, not clockwise" |
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