Environmental solution simple: just take care

Page 7

First Person

Guest Column

When it comes to the environment, I really don't know what the answers are anymore. We hear about the three R's, about the value of composting, bicycling to work instead of driving, etc. I don't know if you're like me or not, but it seems as though the more things get complicated, the less I want to hear about it!

In my opinion, it's simple. All we have to do is take care.

This saying can permeate everything you do. Instead of driving to Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris', for example, (who barely live a mile and a half away), put on an old pair of runners and sweats, and leisurely walk over. What are the benefits? Well, for one thing you'll get fresh air, exercise and probably a whole lot more enjoyment while visiting.

Fact: it takes a big tree one year to recycle one gallon of gasoline fuel (turned into carbon dioxide) into oxygen again. Your little walk has made another being very happy!

According to the Gwich-in in Northern Yukon, there are five grandfathers: fire, water, air, earth, and the animals and plants. If we do not take care of our grandfathers, they say, there will come a time when they'll leave Mother Earth for her to cleanse herself again. Environmental disaster.

Don't think science and technology have all the answers. More and more they're starting to see the wisdom of incorporating Native belief's into their theories.

You see, I am convinced that the environmental crisis isn't mainly a reflection of the economic or political situation, but actually a global drop in human spirituality. Just taking a leisurely stroll in the city at night or tuning in to the TV shows will prove this. There is a sense of sacredness that has to return to our everyday lives. And this is the

very reason why I know Natives can contribute so much.

I read the Bible for the very first time last year. Made me shed tears of joy during some parts. All my life I had been so devoted to the 'Indian' way of life because I thought Christianity was a bad influence on people and nature. Boy--the rude awakening I had to go through!

God spoke to every culture on earth, and each one interpreted him differently. Every single nation has something beautiful to offer the world, and it is up to each of us to choose whether or not we wish to accept those gifts. Perhaps we were forced to believe in him -- or else -- in the beginning of colonization, but the lesson I have learned is that today, I can be Indian and still love Christ.

Do not forget that we now have allies on the white, Christian side and that they're eager to learn about our beautiful traditions and beliefs. There's a new age of brotherly understanding that is rising.

Circles within circles. If we as a species are abusing Mother Earth, isn't it also logical that we would also be abusing everything that is female?

I haven't looked into the latest statistics on abuse against women, but just listen to ordinary locker room conversation that goes on between young men about women. In many cases, there's plenty of disrespect.

They say don't bite the hand that feeds you. I say don't slander the womb that gave you life.

Look, I don't want to give the idea that I spend my time living in a cave eating orange and wearing robes. I like sex. I like sex a lot. This is normal. What I'm asking you to realize is that behind the body lies a caring, loving and fully equal mind and soul, and that if you're only concerned with the physical, you'll be missing out on a lot. At the same time, I also want to emphasize to the women that I also know from experience how they sometimes also talk about men! Watch it, ladies.

Take care. The words can go a long way. Try to encourage someone when they're doing well instead of cutting them down. If the purchase is small, don't take a plastic bag. Pray a little every day and give sincere thanks you're even allowed to live. Drink water more frequently instead of coffee or pop, that grandfather will be happy you will appreciate him and he'll take careof you. I won't go on forever, I think I've already said enough. But I would like to send a little message to the scientific community, I hope they take it with a grain of salt.

"Perhaps one day we'll all be so sick of over-theorizing everything under the sun

to hell and just say that the earth really is flat and that it lies on the back of a giant turtle!"

Hoo boy!