Illustration based on diorama from 'Scenes from the Mohawk Iroquois Village (circa 1600)' at the New York State Museum
Even if you don't understand the Mohawk language, listen to the cadence and implicit spirituality of this touching Mohawk prayer, spoken by Frank Miller.
In the full prayer, the speaker honours The People of this earth, Earth Mother, The Waters, The Fish, The Plants, The Food Plants, Medicine Herbs, The Animals, The Trees, Birds, the Four Winds, The Thunderers, The Sun, Grandmother Moon, The Stars, Enlightened Teachers, and the Creator.
Here is an excerpt from this wonderful Thanksgiving address.
Video clip courtesy DanWaikiki via Standard YouTube License.
A full translation of the Mohawk Thanksgiving Address can be found at https://danceforallpeople.com/haudenosaunee-thanksgiving-address/
Video clip courtesy the New York State Museum via Standard YouTube License.