First Nations, or indigenous peoples, have many different beliefs and traditions. Today is not an attempt to speak for them all. At the same time, there are some similarities in values and practices that form a foundation for people from every continent who live in close contact with the Earth, her creatures, and her cycles.

Being a part of, rather than masters of the Earth is one near-universal perspective. Seeing creatures of the air, earth and water as our siblings rather than our inferiors is another. Recognizing the miracle of life as a blessing from the Earth herself, rather than seeing the planet as full of resources to exploit is one more.

Today we honor our ancestors and current indigenous groups with their deeply-awake connections to the world we’re all a part of as we explore a few of the key values and traditions that link many of these cultures.