Spatial Existences: The Significance of Land and Nature for Native Americans
摘要
This chapter will explore perceptions of the environmental value systems of Native Americans and European Americans and will illustrate how they differ since each group has a different understanding of nature. This is mainly due to opposing worldviews and distinct perceptions regarding their surroundings. Millions of Natives, hundreds of tribes inhabited the New World prior to contact with white Europeans. They had different languages, beliefs, and traditions. Their way of life was determined by the climate and geographical conditions of the region they occupied. What they shared was a philosophy of nature and a general attitude toward the land. Since it was the environment that dictated Natives’ lives, their economies and religions were also based on it. They treated the land with the utmost care and respect, and tried to live in harmony with nature, which they recognized as a power greater than themselves and as an overwhelming, intimidating life force. The chapter analyzes space through the lens of the relationship Pueblo people have had to Mother Earth and Sun to this day.