Inspired by The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address

The People

Today, we gather with awareness that the cycles of life continue. We are reminded of our responsibility to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. Together, we unite our minds, sharing greetings and gratitude with one another as people.
Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother

We express our gratitude to Mother Earth, who provides everything we need for life. She supports us with each step we take, and we rejoice that she continues to care for us as she has since the beginning of time. To Mother Earth, we send our deepest thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Waters

We are grateful for the waters of the world that quench our thirst and give us strength. Water is life itself. We recognize its power in waterfalls, rain, mists, streams, rivers, and oceans. With unity in our hearts, we give thanks to the spirit of Water.
Now our minds are one.

The Fish

We turn our attention to the fish and all aquatic life, who help purify the waters and sustain us with nourishment. We are grateful that clear waters still exist, and we send our gratitude to the fish.
Now our minds are one.

The Plants

We honor the vast array of plants, growing as far as the eye can see, working wonders for all life. They sustain and nourish many beings. Together, we offer our thanks and look forward to their continued presence for future generations.
Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants

With gratitude, we honor the food plants—grains, vegetables, beans, and berries—that have nourished us since the beginning. They sustain not just us but countless other life forms. We gather all the foods together in gratitude and thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs

We turn our attention to the healing plants of the world, who have always been there to take away illness. We are grateful for those who still remember how to use these plants for healing. With deep appreciation, we give thanks to the medicines and their keepers.
Now our minds are one.

The Animals

We gather our thoughts to give thanks to all the animals, who teach us through their lives and offer themselves as food. We see them near our homes, in forests, and in the wild, and we are grateful for their presence. We hope they will continue to thrive.
Now our minds are one.

The Trees

We turn to the trees, whose families cover the Earth. They provide shelter, shade, fruit, and beauty, reminding us of peace and strength. With gratitude, we greet and thank the trees for their many gifts.
Now our minds are one.

The Birds

We come together in gratitude for the birds, who fly above us, filling the air with their songs. Every day, they remind us to appreciate life’s beauty. From the smallest bird to the mighty eagle, we send our joyful thanks.
Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds

We give thanks for the Four Winds, whose voices refresh the air and bring the changing seasons. From every direction, they carry messages and energy. Together, we send our thanks to the Winds.
Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers

We turn our thoughts to the Thunder Beings in the west, whose voices and lightning bring the rains that sustain life. We are thankful for their role in maintaining balance. With unity, we send our thanks to the Thunderers.
Now our minds are one.

The Sun

We now give thanks to our elder Brother, the Sun, who brings light and warmth every day. His journey across the sky fuels all life. With gratitude, we send our thanks to the Sun.
Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon

We offer our thanks to Grandmother Moon, who lights the night and guides the cycles of time. She is the leader of women and governs the ocean tides. She watches over the arrival of new life. With unity, we thank our Grandmother, the Moon.
Now our minds are one.

The Stars

We give thanks to the stars, spread across the night sky like jewels. They help guide us in the dark and bring dew to nourish the growing things. With gratitude, we send thanks to the stars.
Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers

We offer our thanks to the enlightened teachers, past and present, who remind us of how to live in harmony with the world. They guide us when we lose our way. With unity, we send our thanks to these wise teachers.
Now our minds are one.

The Creator

We turn our thoughts to the Creator, who has given us all the gifts of life. Everything we need for a good life is here on this Earth. For the love that surrounds us, we offer our deepest thanks.
Now our minds are one.

Closing Words

We have come to the end of our words. If we have left anything unspoken, we leave it to each individual to offer thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.