| Abstrakt: |
This article points out that contrary to some common wisdom and utopian interpretation, Native North Americans were realistic about the natural world. It argues that virtually all American aboriginal peoples experienced the reality of nature's vagaries and accepted nature's lesson. To supplement this thesis, a brief background to the conflict of perceptions on human engagement with the natural world between Amerindians and Europeans will be discusses. This discussion will suggest that while at the time of first contact Europeans viewed themselves as in possession of the superior culture, Native North Americans frequently understood their nature-based values to be equal, or even preferable, to those reflected by the newcomers to their shores. Then, the article will introduce two current hypotheses--the theories of Gaia and Biophilia--from western non-native science. Following this, the article will consider two scholarly opinions on traditional aboriginal spirituality and the meaning of the land. This current interpretations of the classic Amerindian spiritualities of the natural environment will be compared with modern and traditional scientific approaches. Finally, the article will assess both modern and traditional interpretations of environmental respect. |
