27
Nov
A Beyond Pesticides Giving of Thanks
(Beyond Pesticides, November 27 – December 1, 2024) This Thanksgiving, as we navigate a new chapter in our nation’s history, the staff and board of Beyond Pesticides are honored and thankful to partner with and support those leading campaigns, from small to large, that are essential to our livable future. Local communities are where change happens, creating examples of practical solutions for the nation and world.
- We believe deeply in the power of people and organizations, armed with scientific information and models for change, to push for the adoption of organic practices and policies—from local to global—that ensure that we, and our children, will have the future we envision and are working to achieve.
- We recognize the difficult work of changing the status quo—dependency on practices and products that harm people and contaminate the ecosystems on which life depends—in the face of existential health, biodiversity, and climate crises.
- We know that the critical importance of elevating diverse voices—from scientists, advocates, victims of chemical exposure, those disproportionately affected, land managers and practitioners, to responsible corporations calling for the urgent phaseout of petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers—to the prevention of catastrophic collapse of the natural systems that sustain life.
From the opportunity to join together with inspiring leaders this fall during the Forum, to partnering with dozens of communities across the country to see our organic land management projects come to life in parks, playing fields, and open and public spaces, our appreciation of local changemakers who seek to protect the earth through their tireless efforts to advance the organic solution in their local communities cannot be overstated.
In this spirit, we celebrate for a second year a Thanksgiving Address and prayer (the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen) of the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora) that reflects their relationship to the Earth by giving thanks for life and the world around them. It is a prayer that is appropriate at any time, but especially on a holiday celebrating the abundance of the Earth’s gifts.
Translated more literally, Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen is “what we say before we do anything important.”
As you read this prayer, please choose actions to protect our relationship with the natural world and her inhabitants. Beyond Pesticides thanks all of you for your support!
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Waters
We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms- waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.
Now our minds are one.
The Fish
We turn our minds to all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.
The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans, and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.
The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one.
The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.
The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Art page highlight! Our thanks to Margaret from Orlando, Florida for sharing her photo, “Appalachian Ridge (Green Mountain, NC).”
