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That the People May Live: The Cowlitz Tribe's Journey of Peace and Justice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Eugene A. Wiggins*
Affiliation:
Cowlitz Indian Nation of Washington State, United States of America. [email protected]
*
*Address for correspondence: Eugene A. Wiggins, Cowlitz Indian Nation of Washington State, 1809 Bailey Avenue, Everett, Washington 98203, United States of America.

Abstract

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In an age of conflict and violence, the human family seeks peace-building paradigms. ‘Wisdom’ in traditional Native American culture provides a lens for exploring peace psychology. Native American culture understands ‘wisdom’ to be, ‘that the people may live’. Living implies love of life, love of others' lives, and the right to life and dignity. Here lies wisdom, that people may live with peace and justice. The Cowlitz Indians of western Washington, United States (US), traditionally, based constructive relations on the wisdom of kinship values, an ethic of generosity and reciprocity towards the wider community. Despite land loss and assimilation efforts of the dominant society, the US federal government finally recognised the Cowlitz Nation. This long awaited acknowledgment, won through adherence to traditional wisdom and values, has provided affirmation ‘that the people may live’.

Type
Articles and Discussions
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007