Indigenous Teachings for Sustainable Future

Melissa K. Nelson (ed.), Original Instructions, 1/16/08; Xochitl, Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly

Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future

This book, which has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars with 98 ratings, features indigenous leaders and other visionaries who suggest solutions to today’s global crises.

Original Instructions is a collection of ancient ways of living from the heart of humanity within the heart of nature. It explores the convergence of indigenous and contemporary science and the re-indigenization of the world’s peoples.

Indigenous peoples have for millennia acted as guardians of the web of life on earth, extending their consideration out seven generations [just as the Buddha said our relations go when looking back, for otherwise we have been related to nearly everyone in just about every kind of relationship].

Indigenous fashions were better back then.

They’ve successfully managed complex reciprocal relationships between biological and cultural diversity.

Awareness of indigenous knowledge is reemerging at the eleventh hour to help avert global ecological and social collapse.

Indigenous cultural wisdom shows us how to live in peace -- with the earth and one another.

Original Instructions evokes the rich indigenous storytelling tradition in this collection of presentations gathered from the annual Bioneers conference.

It depicts how the world’s native leaders and scholars are safeguarding the original instructions, reminding us about gratitude, kinship, and a reverence for community and creation.

Included are more than 20 contemporary indigenous leaders, such as Chief Oren Lyons, John Mohawk, Winona LaDuke, and John Trudell. These beautiful, wise voices remind us where hope lies. Original Instructions: Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future