Words Matter: Indigenous, Ecological and Legal Pathways for Healing Earth
Tiokasin Ghosthorse and Nicholas Robinson led our thought-provoking Peace with Nature Forum on April 23, 2023
Framed by a view of ancient cliffs, trees, and Mohonk lake, two voices of experience spoke from diverse world-views, united by love of the entire web of life, and urgency for its survival. The mutual respect and knowledge shared by Tiokasin Ghosthorse and Nick Robinson captivated the audience of more than 90 people who filled the Mohonk Parlor, allowing us opportunities to question previously held concepts and shift thought patterns.
The speakers explained some of the major differences between English and Lakota language structures, and reflected upon how a language built largely of nouns, such as English, leads to a commodifying culture, imbued with the value of domination over others and things. What would a language of mainly verbs (e.g. the Lakota language) mean for our relationship to nature? The audience heard how “the first weapon drawn in conflict is language,” and reflected on the five centuries of trauma that the European Doctrine of Discovery set upon native people and Earth.
In addition, the two speakers highlighted recent legal victories in NYS and the UN that, for the first time, have given people the right to a healthy environment. Passage of these resolutions required a shift in an entire set of (language-based) assumptions, making the authorities of government now legally obligated to protect those rights. Tiokasin and Nick spoke of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. As well, Tiokasin encouraged the audience to support the idea that our local towns should align with the ‘common sense’ of indigenous peoples in their respect for and treatment of the ecosystem of which we are all a part. The good news is that The Rights of Nature movement is evolving, with local work also being done to protect the Hudson River.
In spite of the conversation about “rights”, both speakers stated that the present is a time to stretch beyond a view of personal rights to one of shared responsibility for all of life. The audience traveled willingly along on the journey of ideas, words spoken from the heart, and music that communicated union, reminding all that we’re not separate from the ecosystem, and that “we are worth the people that we come from.”
Following the speakers’ conversation, the Forum participants–diverse in ages and backgrounds– gathered in small circles to share their thoughts, ideas, questions and to listen to each other. The promise of theircollective wisdom was palpable, as each person considered what they could offer, and how, together, we can take responsibility for the survival of all life.
One listener said, “Conferences like this one are a sign that people are being called to change culture, to contribute to a new way of living with Earth.”