When Land Wilson recently mentioned Miwok Indians in his Monday article, I was immediately brought back to a field trip I went on when I was in around the fourth grade. We had been studying California’s history, and had just begun learning about the Miwok people. Our teacher took us to Kule Loklo, a re-created Miwok village in Point Reyes, California. I remember wandering the village in surprise, wondering how it was possible that a culture that existed for thousands of years had seemed to vanish into thin air. If the Miwoks really did live here, I remember thinking, where were their buildings or schools? Where were their roads? How was it possible that I had never seen a trace of Miwok life?
It was not until Land’s article prompted me to research the Miwok tribe that I got my answer: the Miwok people did not want to leave a trace. They people desired to live in harmony with nature, seeing no division between nature, culture, and religion. Instead these existed as one intricate system in everyday life. The Miwok people believed in protecting this system, which meant using the land lightly, leaving no footprint, and giving thanks to nature whenever they utilized its goods. They had a great understanding of the resources available to them, and passed the knowledge of how to nurture these resources to preserve them for future generations. It was because of this knowledge they were able to coexist with nature, without damaging it.
As I reflect back on the wonderful and intricate culture of the Miwok people, I can’t help but wonder what California will look like after we have utilized it for thousands of years. Our footprint will definitely not be invisible, and we can already see that the resources available to future generations will be different- and potentially scarcer- than those we have today.
This month, as we look at different ways to nurture nature, it may be helpful to look for answers from our predecessors. As the Miwok people understood, sometimes it is necessary to take from nature, but we must do it thoughtfully, with respect, and with a commitment to give back. Our relationship with nature has and always will be one of the most important relationships we have. We must preserve it.
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Remember that Little Pickle Press books that promote conservation - like What Does It Mean To Be Green? and Sofia's Dream - are a great way to share sound environmental concepts with your children. Don't forget that all of our books are printed and shipped in an environmentally-sustainable manner. It's part of what sets us apart. You can buy these books today and get 25% off with coupon code LPPGREEN at check-out.
10 comments:
A powerful essay about our environmental footprints. Excellent!
Your post reminds me of Colin Beavan's 2009 book, No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts To Save The Planet and The Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way Of Life In The Process. What strikes me is the grace with which the Miwoks honored and respected our Earth and how our modern attempts to do the same are, well, overt and fussy (as evidenced by the title of the book on this very topic). Thank you for this well-written, peaceful, and evocative post, Cameron.
Cameron, this is written beautifully. You have truly captured the Miwok Village in Pt.Reyes and brought back memories and very similar insights that I had when I first visited on a field trip with my kids years ago! Another great place to visit is the Miwok Museum in Novato.
When our own civilization is dead and gone, we'll have left traces that will last for the rest of time.
Cameron - I love this piece. It is confronting to learn about the history of the Miwok people or most other tribes for that matter. I wish there was a greater presence of Miwok ancestors. We would benefit from it. The lack of them makes an article like this so valuable. Thank you! ~Land
Wonderful post. Sometimes I think our footprint will be lost since there may not be a planet left.
For those who truly love the environment, leave no trace should be a way of life. Very thoughtful blog. Thanks for sharing.
It is so great to raise awareness about the type of footprint that we're leaving, especially for kids! To grow up with the mindset of "how am I impacting others" is so important, especially now when so many people are only focused on themselves. The Miwok people were a great example!
"I wish there was a greater presence of Miwok ancestors".
There is...in spirit. Just read the blogs, your articles and responses, LPP books, Sophia and more coming all the time and we do benefit. Thank you.
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