Patriotism and the American Land (The New Patriotism Series, Vol. 2)
by Lopez Barry (Author)

Excerpted from Patriotism and the American Land by Richard Nelson, Barry Lopez, Terry Tempest Williams. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce Indians, expressed it in the following words: "The earth and myself are of one mind. The measure of the land and the measure of our bodies are the same." Sentiments like these, offered in many native voices over many generations, should be recognized as the bedrock of American patriotism and the foundation for a human commitment to stand in defense of the earth.
–"Patriots for the American Land" by Richard Nelson

Historically, tyrants have sought selectively to eliminate firsthand knowledge when its sources lay outside their control. By silencing those with problematic firsthand experiences, they reduced the number of potential contradictions in their political and social designs, and so they felt safer.
–"The Naturalist" by Barry Lopez

Do we have the moral courage to step forward and openly question every law, person, and practice that denies justice toward nature?

Do we have the strength and will to continue in this American tradition of bearing witness to beauty and terror which is its own form of advocacy?

And do we have the imagination to rediscover an authentic patriotism that inspires empathy and reflection over pride and nationalism?
–"One Patriot" by Terry Tempest Williams
 

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The Earth's Blanket
Traditional Teachings for Sustainable Living (Culture, Place, and Nature)
by Nancy J. Turner

From the Publisher
"A unique and charming book that provides fascinating insights into ways of managing wild plant and animal resources. Drawing on stories and early accounts from Native people throughout northwestern North America and, above all, her own enormously rich and detailed experiences, Nancy Turner shows that these methods have great and increasing relevance for us today." - Eugene Anderson, University of California, Riverside

"The Earth's Blanket is an excellent distillation of traditional teachings and narratives. This thoroughly researched book . . . provides the necessary framework for identifying a resource management grounded in cultural traditions and wisdom and is capable of achieving a sustainable agro-ecology." - Agricultural History

"Nancy Turner has worked with and been befriended by generations of holders of our traditional teachings, and this book is a testament not only to an outstanding career but also to an outstanding human being. The Earth's Blanket demonstrates how science can be used to record Traditional Ecological Knowledge in a way that respects First Nations' cultures." - Kim Recalma-Clutesi, Elected Chief, Qualicum First Nation

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The Last Ghost Dance
A Guide for Earth Mages
by Brooke Medicine Eagle

Book Description
In the celebrated Buffalo Woman Comes Singing, Brooke Medicine Eagle revealed her extraordinary spiritual odyssey from her first guided steps on the medicine path to her ongoing work as one of the most respected Native American teachers of the modern era. Now she shares a groundbreaking approach to spiritual transformation--by revitalizing the powerful ancient ritual The Ghost Dance.

Four centuries ago, when European invaders were ruthlessly plundering indigenous cultures, a Paiute tribesman received a vision of hope and resurrection, given by Father Spirit, to help survivors of the onslaught create a beautiful new life in the face of defeat, broken dreams, and death. That vision was celebrated in an ecstatic ghost dance honoring those who had perished.

Brooke Medicine Eagle explains how and why we are profoundly connected to The Ghost Dance. As she herself becomes initiated into the "illusion of death" and the wisdom of "heart-centered ascension," she teaches us how to confront our deepest fears, overcome our resistance to change, and renew our lives. Through prayer, music, and dance, Medicine Eagle provides us with the tools to bring about the final fulfillment of this profound ritual--by living in harmony with earth's rhythms, practicing sustainable living, honoring and sharing with all our relations, and freeing ourselves from the burden of possessions and possessiveness.

Perceptive, practical, and luminous, The Last Ghost Dance is a call to action, a challenge to raise up from the ashes of our desecrated planet a world that welcomes the full flowering of the spirit--and a new age of abundance, love, and peace.
 

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Spirit of the Shuar
Wisdom from the Last Unconquered People of the Amazon
by John Perkins

John Perkins (Author) Shakaim Mariano Shakai Ijisam Chumpi (Author), Ehud C. Sperling (Author), Mariano Shakai Ijisam Chumpi (Author)

Review
After you have read it, you will know why Spirit of the Shuar has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. -- June Rouse, The Monthly Aspectarian, December 2001

Anyone interested in indigenous wisdom, different ways of living, or shapeshifting will definitely be fascinated by this excellent. -- Cynthia Larson, RealityShifters News, September 2001

We have much to learn from the Shuar; reading this book could change your world. -- Susan Dobra, Magical Blend, Winter 2002
 

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