A Dish with One Spoon

When we consider land and centring ourselves in the context of Turtle Island it is important to heed the teachings of A Dish with One Spoon. This is a treaty agreement between the First Nations surrounding the Great Lakes to live together sharing the resources of the land. The concept of a dish with one spoon can also be considered an invitation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to live together sharing the resources of the land today. The teachings of the agreement are that the earth is one dish that provides for us all, and that we need to live healthy lives. We have only one spoon to use in sharing all the resources. Therefore, you take only what you need, you always leave something in the dish for others, and you keep the dish clean. It is significant that it is simply a spoon, no knife, symbolizing peace and harmony.

For more information, see: A Dish with One Spoon

For an explanation of the significance of wampum belts view Voices From Here: Richard Hill. As you view the video consider:

• What might be the result of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people coming together today to polish the wampum chains our Ancestors agreed to centuries ago?