Abstract

This chapter goes into more detail about the philosophy of resource use and human relationships with the environment. Contrasts of “human” versus “nature” were minimal. Relatedness to the nonhuman world was maintained by spirit interaction and sometimes by reincarnation, involving beliefs of humans reincarnated as or transforming into animals, and vice versa. Animal spirits or souls live indefinitely long, usually being reincarnated as other animals. Human interaction with the environment is mediated by spirit connections with all beings; even mountains and lakes have their spirits. In some cases, human kinship is extended to the nonhuman world, incorporating humans further in the world. Key concepts include community and stewardship; humanity and the nonhuman world form one community, and humans must exhibit stewardship in dealing with it.

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