Standing againwithin and among all things,Standing with each otheras sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers,daughters and sons, grandmothers and grandfathers --the past and present generations of our people,Standing againwith and among all items of life,the land, rivers, the mountains, plants, animals,all life that is around usthat we are included with,Standing within the circle of the horizon,the day sky and the night sky,the sun, moon, the cycle of seasonsand the earth mother which sustains us,Standing againwith all thingsthat have been in the past,that are in the present,and that will be in the futurewe acknowledge ourselvesto be in a relationship that is responsibleand proper, that is loving and compassionate,for the sake of the land and all people;we ask humbly of the creative forces of lifethat we be given a portionwith which to help ourselves so that our struggleand work will also be creativefor the continuance of life,Standing again, within, among all thingswe ask in all sincerity, for hope, courage, peace,strength, vision, unity and continuance.
St.Louis, Mo. May 1980
