Indigenous Knowledge and Gift Giving

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July 13, 2021

a project of ServiceSpace

The word En'owkin in the Okanagan language elicits the metaphorical image of liquid being absorbed drop by single drop through the head (mind). It refers to coming to understanding through a gentle process of integration.

- Jeanette Armstrong -

Indigenous Knowledge and Gift Giving

"In our way we are always told not to ask for anything. We are always told in our community, as a practice, that when we have to start asking for something, that's when we're agreeing that people be irresponsible. Irresponsible in not understanding what we're needing, irresponsible in not seeing what's needed, and irresponsible in not having moved our resources and our actions to make sure that need isn't there, because this is the responsibility that we, and the people that surround us, mutually bear. So in our community we cannot go to a person and say, "I want you to do this for me." All we can do is clarify for them what is happening and what the consequences are for our family, or for our community, or for the land. We must clarify for them what needs to be done and how it needs to be done, and then it is up to them and if they fall short of that responsibility, at some point they will face the same need themselves." Jeannette Armstrong shares more about the profound world-view and practices of the Okanagan people in this insightful essay. { read more }

Be The Change

Many of the practices and perspectives in the above piece challenge mainstream culture and norms. Pick one that particularly calls out to you, or perhaps, if you prefer, one that slightly intimidates you-- and try implementing it in your own life for a period of your own choosing.

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