Everyday is a Holiday

"Traditionally, [in Algonquin culture] there are no birthdays, no anniversary days, no holidays, (and no weekends!) not in the Western sense. Every day is a holiday to those who are interested in finding that sacredness around them right now. Feasts are organized to celebrate things happening now, but anniversaries are not in the now."
No Word for Time

Clocks and Watches

"Clocks and watches often dilute that power and make us believe there is something going on which is not part of now. Clocks make us worry and split us into pieces. They conflict with biological time. Algonquin people used to call this device 'Captain Clock' because it seemed to rule the white missionaries with an iron hand, or perhaps brass. To this day, many choose not to understand, and not to be ruled."
No Word for Time

Language of the Heart

"There is no book to tell the Algonquin what is right or wrong, or what to do next; the way is revealed each moment from within. The most important language to learn to read is the language of the heart. You have to find your own answers, perhaps by slowing down and letting spirit catch up to you."
No Word for Time

No Need to Control Everything

"There's no need to control everything in a world where things work together without your controlling them. There's no need to be anxious when the more you fight, the less the "magic" which makes things turn out beautifully can work. If you believe in the ongoing falling together of things, you can relax within yourself, you can stop hurrying, stop pushing, stop rushing, and simply let things be."
No Word for Time

Honoring the Earth

"The path of honoring the earth is not an easy one. Although it promises seven generations of gain, it does require short-term sacrifices. It has never been a popular path, and not enough people have walked it. In order to truly change our destructive ways, we need to have an emotional connection to Mother Earth, perhaps even a religious zeal about our relationship with her."
Native American Stories of the Sacred

Great Spirit

"Native Americans have no dogma, other than 'thou shalt have no dogma,' and no central unifying creed, other than 'take care of Mother Earth, and Father Sky, and they will take care of you.' There are numerous other common beliefs that we can presume most traditional native people lean toward: the sacredness of the circle; the belief in a spirit world; the importance of ritual and of making offerings; and the importance of purification, of prayer, of healing, of honesty, of community, of seeking visions, and of communication with animals. . . . It is said, 'God is too big for one religion,' and the Great Spirit is too big for one Native American view to dominate."
Native American Stories of the Sacred

Small Being Teachers

"The teaching that small beings can be the greatest allies is one of the most prevalent themes in Native American stories of all nations. In a society that places a premium on physical survival, and therefore strength, it is important to remember that the small and meek often end up being critical players. It also shows how stories can instill an ethical system into a society in subtle ways, ensuring equality, justice, mercy, and tolerance. Actions are of tantamount importance in Native life, but might not make right in any case."
Native American Stories of the Sacred

Fostering Good Self-Esteem in Children

"Native stories meant for children often have a tiny creature as the hero or heroine. This is to foster good self-esteem among children who cannot compete physically with adults, but whose thoughts and deeds are to be respected."
Native American Stories of the Sacred