Mitos y Leyendas: The Indian Commandments

• Genny de Bernardo shares with you a small reflection about the redskins and the Indian commandments.
• Chief White Cloud wrote a piece in which he outlines details of the settlers.
• It’s an interesting perspective on how we forget important aspects.

The Indian Commandments were the basic rules that guided the life of the Indian people, just like in many other religions.

Instead of religious rules written on stone by the angry finger of a God, the Native Americans’ beliefs came from old stories.

Surely, from the dreams told to the old people during quiet nights by the Great Spirit, and the advice from smart people that were kept in everyone’s heart.

For them, churches were not needed, as they didn’t want to talk about God. Their main interest was the relationship between man and nature.

The Words of Chief White Cloud

While the white man tried to regulate and change nature according to his own ideas, Native Americans believed that the Great Spirit had created all things, not only humanity but also animals, plants, and rocks.

In their worldview, everything on earth and among the stars had a true soul, and all life was sacred.

Although their prayers were addressed to the sun, the moon, and the wind, they were often misunderstood by the colonizers due to certain differences.

Despite these differences, Native Americans maintained that they could live in harmony with nature, as nature itself resided within them and they were an integral part of it.

The Indian Commandments

The Indian Commandments, transmitted by Chief White Cloud, were: Treat the earth and all that is upon it with respect. Show great respect for your fellow man. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

Help and be kind when it’s needed. Do what you think is right. Take care of your body and mind.

Give some of your work to help everyone. Always be honest and tell the truth. Be responsible for what you do.

These commandments reflect the fundamental values of Native American culture and their deep respect for the earth and life in all its forms. Genny de Bernardo bids you farewell with affection. Until next time!