Answer:
Many different cultures. No single “Indian” view of nature. But there are some
commonalities.
• Nature is something we live within and as a part of it. No essential separation: no
transcendental dualism, no Enlightenment search for objectivity, no Puritan fear of
dangerous, chaotic nature, not distant observation in Romanticism.
• Nature is the location of spirituality reality, both individual beings (usually animals)
and a more general sense of the sacred.
• Its spiritual value calls for reverence, respect, and humility in our relationship with
nature.
• But nature is also something that is used.
• Not in the Enlightenment sense of conquering and controlling for our material gain,
with a sense of superiority toward nature.
• “You say that I use the land, and I reply, yes, it is true; but it is not the first truth. The
first truth is that I love the land; I see that it is beautiful; I delight in it; I am alive in it.”
(N. Scott Momaday)
Native Americans
• Paleo-Indians probably helped cause the extinction of large mammals in North
America.
• Later Indians came to recognize the spiritual value of what they used and the need to
use is sustainably. They developed a moral and conservationist relationship with
nature. (N. Scott Momaday)
• Hunting practices. Hunters must spiritually prepare for the hunt so they can be
deserving, be respectful and humble during the hunt, and be reverent and grateful after
the hunt.
• Resource management. Native Americans were not passive parts of the wilderness
but intelligently used fire to increase its generosity
Explanation:
