By

Phil Shapley (White Wolf) Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 
Present day natural resource management and harvest practices are inadequate to prevent the decline of many resources-- trees, fish stocks, habitat, soil, etc.  Innovative solutions are needed.

Two spiritual approaches show promise. Though the spiritual is strange to many, please keep an open mind, many Natives and others find it has validity.

Native people and the Bible proclaim that all of nature is spiritual (plants, animals, rocks, etc.). Nature has awareness and responds to positive and negative energy-- for example, love versus hate and greed. The love of a gardener is associated with thriving plants. Calves heal faster with love.

The first approach involves increasing positive energy which helps resources. Positive energy is increased by:
- honoring and respecting resources;
- harvesting resources on the basis of need instead of greed;
- people living in love, in respect, in harmony and by honoring the laws of the Creator.

When this is accomplished, resources live in an atmosphere of positive energy-- they are healthier and reproduce more. But given the reluctance of man and the barriers (economic, etc.) to change, help for resources will likely be limited to local situations where positive energy has been increased.

The other spiritual approach besides working to increase good energy, adds developing and using deep faith in the Great Spirit and his ways. It recognizes that:

1) The Creator did and can create natural resources, such as in Biblical times, when manna was created to feed the hungry Israelites and Jesus produced fish to feed 5000, and recently, quail to feed the Saints going to Utah.  This can happen today for our Maker can still create resources for people living as he asks.

2) He can protect and help resources and improve habitat in answer to the prayers of the faithful.

3) In addition to creating resources, the Creator (to the Ojibway, Geeche Manitou) provides in other ways for the needs of the people and communities that live as He asks-- that honor Him, that live in love, unity and respect, that live His laws, etc.

4) By working to live as God advocates, more good energy is generated than in the first approach.

Thus, each individual and community that chooses to live with deep faith, can have wonderful benefits and also can help resources more than in the first, more limited approach-- an approach which does not emphasize deep faith and using the miraculous powers of the Creator.

The scriptures and the experiences of the faithful show that these concepts work.

                                          MAIN TEXT

1) Background on the Author

The author has worked as a fishery biologist, consultant to First Nations, economist, environmental and ecological expert, a government consultant on agriculture, and has farmed.*  In all these experiences, he has realized that the present approaches to resource management have frequently failed to protect resources and have not prevented declining harvests. New approaches are needed. The author has studied, lived and experienced the spiritual. He is convinced that this perspective can provide some answers. Keep an open mind and hear me out. You are going to be exposed to some new (to you but not to spiritual people) ideas.

2) The failure of present management approaches and harvest procedures

There is little need for a discourse on past and present failures. Only a few examples are given so the reader is clear as to what is meant.

Forests are over-harvested and the supply of certain trees is greatly reduced, such as large West Coast cedars, redwoods, etc.  Wildlife habitat is destroyed. Fish populations are devastated such as the East Coast cod, salmon and the Great Lakes lake trout, pollution makes fish unsafe to eat, soil is depleted, etc., etc.**.

These failures have come about for several reasons:
1) There is inadequate information for managing and preserving resources;
2) The management system fails to control harvest and protect the environment;
3) Economic pressures and the lack of political will, prevent effective regulation of harvest and protection of habitat.
Unless there are innovative changes, resource supply and habitat will continue to deteriorate.

A spiritual approach can help us understand and manage resources more effectively and increase sustainable harvests. In addition, it may help overcome economic and political barriers to protecting resources and maintaining sustainable harvests.

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* The author has the following university degrees:

B. of Sc., Cornell University College of Agriculture in fishery biology and conservation

M. of Sc., University of British Columbia Zoology Dept.in fishery biology and zoology

M. of A., University of Michigan Economics Dept.in economics

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan School of Natural Resources in resource planning and conservation

** A recent study of Native communities in the Upper Great Lakes, found that in some communities where there was a high consumption of fish, the residents accumulated dangerous levels of pollutants, such as mercury.

3) The Spiritual approach
 
To appreciate how spiritual concepts can assist resource management, a needed minimal knowledge is presented below.

3a) Background on the spiritual

Spiritualists, including many Natives, have experienced things which you may find hard to believe or accept. I ask you to approach this subject with an open mind. Do not reject it until you have tested these concepts or experimented with them. My experience and the experiences of Natives demonstrate that these concepts are correct. This evidence comes from my own observations, being with spiritual Natives, by walking a Christian path and from a very intelligent and spiritually talented Buddhist friend of mine. Again, do not reject this until you seriously test it-- that is the approach of an open mined scientist. Spiritual people, and some scientists, have found that what is discussed, is valid. For example, theoretical physicists need to view things as spiritualists do to explain many of the phenomenon they observe.
 
3b) Basic Native and Christian beliefs and experiences

Many Natives and some Christians know, I don't say believe but know, that all of the Creation has awareness that is, is aware of itself and what goes on around it. The creatures in Nature react to positive and negative energy, to love, respect, greed and hate.
 
How do we know this? Some people, especially many Natives, have visionary powers. They can see a live being or life force in plants and animals. Visions do occur-- I have had them. Some people can communicate with trees and animals. An elderly Native friend is very convincing when he talks to biologists about his communicating with trees. Another Native acquaintance communicates with llamas and buffalo. A Buddhist friend has seen the spiritual being in trees react to avoid people with negative energy. Native trappers appeal to the trees, the wind and weather, and animals to help them when in the bush they know that this appeal works! I have felt the love, harmony and integration in Nature. Native and Christian teachings proclaim that all of Nature is alive and aware. Christ commanded the waters to be still and they were. I have known of people who have done this. Also, children, animals and plants flourish where there is love, plants grow bigger where there is a caring gardener, sick calves heal faster, etc.

An impressive example is the experience of a university educated Native friend. He wanted moose meat for the older people who missed having it. He asked certain animals to give themselves for this purpose. Soon, two moose were on a back road waiting for him. He shot them at close range. My friend told me that the moose would not have given themselves if his motivation was wrong!

This last story illustrates an important Native understanding-- plants and animals are willing to give themselves to Man for his use:
- provided our need is a good need, that is, not for selfish ends;
- provided we respect the plants and animals.

The Bible teaches that a person should sacrifice of himself for the benefit of others.

In summary, the Natives and deeper Christian writings teach:
- all of Nature has awareness;
- plants and trees respond to positive and negative energy love, respect, hate,selfishness,  etc.;
- plants and animals are willing to give themselves for the benefit of Man, provided our motivation is good they are aware of our motivation;

3c) Commentary

All of this may seem strange, impossible, etc.  But we readily accept other phenomenon  which are strange. Where does the idea come from that solves a problem? What about those dreams that give us new insight or even a totally new concept? How do you explain parents knowing something has gone wrong with their child, a dog sensing when his owner dies, etc.  Animals, even geese and buffalos, can become very attached to people. Is the idea that Nature has awareness any stranger than these observations. Let us keep an open mind.

How can you obtain evidence that these spiritual observations are correct? It is fairly easy in respect to plants and animals. There are human observations and experiences, including those of farmers, plus published studies that show that plants and animals do better in an atmosphere of respect and love. They respond to people. If needed, you can run you own experiment.

But in regard to inorganic nature, it is harder to develop experiments to show that there is awareness. However, theoretical physicists often find that they must view things as spiritualists do to explain the phenomenon they observe. In a later section, we will present situations recorded in the scriptures, were the physical and chemical changed form at the command of the Lord and his servants.

3d) How the Spiritual perspective can assist in resource management

What are the implications of this for resource management?

1) Since animals and plants are aware of and respond to positive and negative energy (love, living or not living the laws of the Creator, etc.), they will grow faster, reproduce more, and be healthier when there is love, respect, honouring of the Creator, etc. A greater harvest can be realized;

2) Some spiritual persons can obtain knowledge directly from plants and animals or from the Creator on what is stressful, harmful and what will be helpful to these living creatures, knowledge that often may not be obtained by other means;

3) Knowledge obtained as described above, reduces the need to spend on biological and management studies;

4) Plants and animals are pleased to give themselves to us if our motivations are good and our needs real. When this prevails, it will take less effort to harvest animals and perhaps some plants.

3e ) Incorporating this knowledge into management and some implications

The following steps are suggested for putting this knowledge to work:
1) seek out people who can communicate with plants and animals or with the Creator, to obtain needed knowledge;
2) perform Native ceremonies for the benefit of a resource and ecosystem;
3) offer sincere prayers for the welfare of resources and ecosystems;
4) harvest a resource in a respectful manner and on the basis of need instead of greed;
5) learn of and respect the needs and welfare of resources and ecosystems;
6) working through spiritualists, obtain approval from the Creator or directly from a resource when major changes are planned, such as introducing a new species to a lake, changing the means of harvest, etc.;
7) live the laws of the Creator, forgive, love, etc., to greatly reduce negative energy;
8) learn to love and be appreciative of resources.

If these perspectives can be incorporated into management and harvest decision making (along with biological information, and economic, political and social considerations), the following will be accomplished:

1) With the acceptance of Native and Christian understandings in regard to resources, respect for resources will increase which may improve cooperation between governments, fishermen and managers, reduce pollution, etc.;

2) With this improved attitude toward plants, animals and ecosystems, and with the new knowledge obtained directly from the Creator or from Nature's inhabitants on their needs, a greater sustainable catch can be realized and ecosystems will be more stable;

3) Harvest and management will require less energy and expenditures;

4) Man himself, will function on a higher spiritual level.
 
I encourage you to accept and test these ideas with an open mind. My experience and that of Native spiritualists, demonstrates that these concepts are correct.

3f) What might NOT be accomplished through this advocated spiritual approach

Given what has been advocated so far, it may be difficult to realize the suggested benefits on a large scale. This result can occur due to:

1) Large scale improvements require that many people accept this perspective and agree to managing resources on the grounds advocated-- this may not be possible;

2) Realizing the greater benefits requires the elimination of greed and hate, and the practice of forgiveness-- this can be hard to accomplish.

Information obtained on resources through spiritual means, and more people living love and respect, will help in local situations, but because of the difficulty of wide spread implementation, there may be only a modest overall improvement. If people don't improve, the overall outlook is bleak.

This approach has focused on increasing positive energy. If you do this plus apply great faith, even a larger benefit can be realized. If an individual or community applies great faith, they can have an adequate supply of a resource even if other people experience scarcity.

4) The way of great faith

4a) Background

Why do I advocate walking the path of great faith? I have lived it for more than 20 years. It is wonderful, beautiful and full of miracles! Resources can be helped and great benefits can be realized. But first, some background is needed.

This path is called the Gospel way by Christians. It requires a deep commitment to our Creator (Jesus Christ to Christians, the Great Manitou to the Ojibway, etc.) and living His laws. By doing this, you can have an adequate supply of a resource even when other people experience scarcity. Or alternatively, other means may be provided for your support, whatever the Creator thinks wise. Also, you will have peace of mind and be secure. If a community practices the required principles, there can be a community wide benefit despite how corrupt the rest of society is.
 
The evidence for this comes from sacred writings and experience. The scriptures speak of this reality. My observations are that the scriptures are correct. As you live as the great teachings, and The Bible and other scriptures advocate, you too can experience marvelous help.

Examples of scriptural evidence include the following:

1) The faith of Moses resulted in God providing food (manna) to the Israelites in the desert. Also, Moses smote the rock and out came water. Plagues of insects and frogs were created to convince Pharaoh. His rod was turned into a snake. The Red Sea was parted so the Israelites could escape the Egyptians.

2) In the Old Testament, whenever the Israelites followed God, they defeated their enemies and prospered. When they worshiped idols or they were otherwise decadent, there was famine and they were conquered.

3) Jesus created bread and fish to feed five thousand, and turned water into fine wine. He filled Peters net with fish.

4) Jesus and his servants healed the sick.

5) Jesus said: Ask, it shall be given you (Math 7:7) and whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee (John 11:22).

In modern times, miracles are still observed:

1) When the Saints went westward to Utah, thousands of quail were sent to feed the hungry.

2) The Havasupai in the southwestern U.S., had their crops washed out and homes damaged. The U.S. government did not offer aide. Help came from the Creator.

3) First Nations are winning struggles with government when they patiently seek redress in the way their Creator would have them proceed.

4) Faithful people are healed by spiritual administrations.

5) Faithful servants have obtained changes in the weather.

6) Sitting Bull's people would have continued to prevail against the U.S. Army if they had not stripped Custer's soldiers of their jewelry, guns, clothing, etc., putting the material ahead of the spiritual;

7) Those living as their Creator would have them live, have adequate income (I have always obtained income when needed, either through work or it being provided miraculously).

8) In the Salt Lake Valley, sea gulls appeared to save the crops from locusts.

9) When tithing was paid at St. George, a drought was ended.

10) Public support for Native causes is increasing.

But if this path is wonderful, why have so many things gone against the Native people when many have been respectful of their Creator. Should not their faith have produced good results. We can not give a definitive answer but can make some observations that may help explain matters:

1) Maybe not enough of them have been respectful of their Creator-- there is much alcoholism and drug abuse, band leaders miss-use band funds, etc.

2) One perhaps relevant comparison is why have the Jews, a chosen people of the Lord, gone through so much hardship? Israel is prevailing against its opponents though there still is much turmoil.

3) I understand that the Indian people are also a chosen people of God. Perhaps they need to go through troubles for the same purposes as the Jews. God humbles and chastens those He loves to help perfect them so they can qualify for best of the after life, so they can live in the most beautiful heaven. Troubles help accomplish this. Native Elders who have gone through much, such as alcoholism, are some of the most magnificent people on the Earth. In the end, the Creator has promised that when the Native people get their act together (improve much), they will prevail over their opponents.

4) Great men and women usually go through many trials-- Christ went through much;

5) Perhaps the Native people haven't lived close enough to the way their Creator wants them to live, thus, He can not yet give them all the Blessings He wants to grant. He is trying to teach. How much have Natives fallen away from the good teachings of the past-- such as the Great Law of the Iroquois and the teachings of Handsome Lake, the Hopi not living their teachings, the Ojibway forgetting The Seven Teachings of the Grandfathers (wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth).

6) One thing is certain. At this time, if Native people live as the Lord (Waken Tankan to the Lakota) would have them live, including worshiping God in humility, respect and truth, they will be greatly Blessed.
 
4b) The role of Mother Earth

Though the Creator is most important of all, we must not forget Mother Earth-- He created Her.  Under the direction of the Great Spirit, She provides for our needs soil, water, food, plants, etc. We need to honor and respect Her.

Native people are the keepers' of Mother Earth. Thus, the Indian people particularly need to honor Her by honoring Her Creator and His laws, by not polluting, by harvesting with respect, by praying for Her and by expressing gratitude for Her role. Then She can better provide for our needs.

4c) The benefit and superiority of great faith
 
The benefit you and your community will receive by living with much faith, is great- you will be given enough to satisfy your needs (but maybe not your wants). It may be through an adequate supply of a resource or by some other means-- whatever is wise in the eyes of the Creator. You can receive the needed amount of a resource even if the overall abundance is low, and if it is in the Great Manitou's wisdom, and you will not contribute to the depletion of the resource. These are bold statements. But if you have enough active faith, the Lord can create the resource for you. This is the case even if the supply available to other people is small. And by praying for a resource, you can help it. The scriptures and the experiences of traditional Natives, show that God supports people that revere Him and His ways.

Another benefit of great faith is peace of mind and a true sense of security.

4d) What is required to develop great faith
 
To have the benefit's) of this way, you must work to live as the Great Spirit would have you live. You are not expected to be perfect but working sincerely to improve. It is recognized that you will still make mistakes, stumble, etc.  But if you are trying, He will accept your effort. Just pick yourself up, change the bad way or habit and work to do better.

The Creator's way requires effort to improve in these areas:

- love God
- love your neighbor and forgive his trespasses
- live the Creators laws
- be generous
- be willing to be guided by your conscience and the promptings of the Holy Spirit
- accept that the Lord wants the best for you and is all wise
- be moral.

The Lord knows that you will need His help to improve. You can not improve much without it. To receive this help, you are asked to:
1) read and mediate on spiritual things such as the scriptures and sacred teachings;
2) pray for help in overcoming short comings, such as anger, drinking, etc. (prayer is particularly effective if you pray to the Father in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ);
3) be generous.

If you do these things, you are demonstrating faith. The Great Spirit will help you overcome. He will guide you and give you strength. By doing these things, you can improve at a sufficient pace to please your Creator and thus merit His Blessings. Your faith in Him and in His ways, will increase.

4e) To obtain a specific Blessing

To obtain a Blessing, you need to be doing as described above and to pray for the desired benefit. You can pray for the welfare of a resource. When you pray, you know the Blessing comes from God. And afterwards, you need to express gratitude to the Creator. If you don't give Him credit, the Blessings will likely cease.

The Lord being all wise and looking after your long term welfare, may not give you the Blessing in the way or at the time you expect. He will give it in the wisest way and at the best time. Accept this, and you accept the will of your Creator. He will continue to Bless you.

4f) The spiritual approach focuses on more than just resources

The spiritual way requires great faith and focuses on more than just resources:

1) it is a way of living that insures that you are helped, and have what you need to live in a satisfactory manner, either through providing you with resources or by providing your needs in some other manner:

2) the benefits of great faith are more than protecting resources and honoring Mother Earth-- it can provide you with needed resources without depleting the existing supply;

3) you can pray for the welfare of resources and your prays can be answered;

4) since all animals and plants are spiritual beings that exist through all time, they existed before they came to earth and they exist after death,-- they will live in an environment (a heaven) that God has created for them. Thus, they are still alive though they may not be living in physical bodies on the Earth;

The faith approach is relevant: to understanding the relationship between Man, the Creator, resources and Mother Earth, and to helping resources.  This approach helps us realize that the spiritual component of resources (the living, aware part) continues to exist over time on Earth or in the heavens. And the faith approach affirms that all things are important to the Great Spirit, including Man and all resources.
 
5) Conclusion

Many resources and the amount harvested, are declining. Present management and harvest methods are inadequate to reverse this trend. Innovative approaches are needed.

The Spiritual understanding of resources and respect for them as explained within the text, along with the practices advocated, could do much to restore resources and harvests. But to obtain restoration, people would need to:

1) accept the spiritual nature of resources;
2) honor the Creator and the resources in the way advocated;
3) greatly reduce greed and hate;
4) frequently accept for a time, severe constraints on the harvest of some resources and strong measures to protect habitat.

It is unlikely that the necessary changes will occur on a sufficient scale to significantly reduce the overall decline of natural resources, though local victories are likely.

By exercising great faith in the Creator and His ways, individuals and faithful communities can be greatly Blessed by their Creator. He will support them, including providing (creating) supplies of resources when they are needed even though they may otherwise be scarce.

The realities of the great faith approach, are:

1) resources (or a suitable substitute that provides for your needs) will be available when needed;

2) resources will not necessarily be preserved on Earth (what will be done is what is the wisdom of the Creator);

3) though plants and animals may not be present on Earth, their living essence, their spirit (awareness) has always existed and will continue to exist whether on Earth or in the heavens.

4) the Creator can answer your prayer, He can assist you in protecting resources, and He can create resources;

5) faithful people and communities will be sustained and helped in a good way.

6) the faithful will be well off despite what others do (you can determine your own fate) and you will have the approval of your Creator.

Though resource preservation is important, it is even more important to be close to you Creator who is all wise. As you live close to your Creator, you come to understand that He will help and preserve you, Mother Earth and resources in the eternities, and that you will have the best life in the spirit world after you mortal death on Earth. And you won't have a negative effect on resources. And above all, you will realize how much your Creator loves you.