To the Great Spirit
We return thanks to our mother,
the Earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams
which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines
for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters,
the beans and squashes, which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees,
which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the wind,
which, moving the air, has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the Moon and the stars,
which have given us their light when the Sun was gone.
We return thanks to our grandfather He-no,
who has protected us from witches and reptiles.
We return thanks to the Sun,
that he has looked upon the Earth with a beneficient eye,
We return thanks to the Great Spirit,
in whom is embodied all goodness,
and who directs all things for the good of his children.
After an Iroquois song (19th century)
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